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IONIAN ECHOES 



AND OTHER POEMS 



BY 



MARTHA A. KIDDER 




BOSTON 

SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 

1911 









Copyright, 1911 
Sherman, French &^ Company 



©Ci.A2S^)^49 



r 



;^ MY FATHER AND MOTHER 



TO 



Father, who trained my youthful mind, 
My sternest critic, just and kind, 
My book I offer thee to-day, 
The tribute of my love alway! 

Mother, the dearest name on earth. 
Whose care hath shielded me from birth. 
No pen can write how much I owe! 
No love so great my heart shall know! 



For permission to reprint, I thank 
the Churchman, the Living Church, 
the Boston Transcript, the Detroit 
Free Press, and other periodicals, in 
which these poems have appeared. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

ionian echoes 1 

"tua est potentia!" 2 

"parting is sweet sorrow" 2 

EDITH S 

LAST year's girl 4 

REGRET 5 

A LENTEN PRAYER 5 

"they say" 6 

THE artist's dream 7 

the hour of prayer 7 

estranged 8 

"remember !" 8 

PARTING 9 

TO A BILLET-DOUX 10 

love's last TRIBUTE 10 

PASS ME not! 11 

love's EQUALITY 11 

THEN AND NOW 12 

"she loved BUT once!'' 12 

1 THINK OF THEE 13 

DOMINE^ BENEDIC MIHI^ HODIE QUOTIDIEQUE ! . 14 

TO FLORA 14 

oh, weary life ! 15 

sweetheart! 16 

"the UNVEILED SISTER" l6 

REGRET AND HOPE 17 

BEFORE WE MET ! 18 

ONCE THOU WERT MINE ! 18 

love's fancies 19 

EASTER BELLS ARE RINGING 20 

"the STILL, SMALL VOICe" 21 

TO REGRET 21 

RESIGNATION 22 

THE GARDEN OF THE HEART 22 

love's sweetest song . . . ' ... 23 



PAGE 

love's magic touch . 24 

by thy love 25 

blighted hopes 25 

"is life WORTH LIVING?" 26 

THE GATES OF PARADISE 26 

ONLY A LITTLE WHILE 27 

TO COLUMBUS 28 

OUR MEETING 28 

"via, ET VERITAS, ET VITA" 29 

A MIDNIGHT VISION 29 

I SEE THEE not! SI 

autumn thoughts 31 

unrequited 32 

little marguerite 33 

hope's burial 33 

lost golden moments 34 

ring, christmas chimes 35 

"love DIVINE !" 35 

O HAPPY EASTER DAY ! 36 

"pray for the dead" 37 

ONE HOUR 38 

"et lacrimatus est jesus" 38 

THE still hour 39 

the crucifix 40 

"domine, doce nos orare !" 40 

o dearest love ! 41 

THE PAST 42 

SWEET STRAINS OF SONG 42 

SOME DAY 43 

love's echoes 43 

hope will return 44 

ADVENT 44 

o VIOLET eyes! 45 

"credo, DOMINE ! ADJUVA INCREDULITATEM 

meam!" 45 

thanksgiving hymn 46 



PAGE 

"forsaken!" 46 

"adrift" 47 

before thy altar, lord ! 47 

an easter message 48 

not worthy yet 49 

three thousand miles away 49 

the shadow of the cross 50 

a lenten petition 52 

pygmalion and galatea 53 

o PROMISED days! 54 

his holy name 54 

ring! ring! a gladsome peal! . ... 55 

the violet 55 

"my king!" 56 

"my thoughts fly back to THEE !" . . . 56 

"looking in vain!" 57 

"by THE sea" 58 

the blind man 58 

"not far away!" 59 

a farewell 59 

self-consecration 60 

love's MIRRORS 60 

love's message 61 

ALL saints' day 6l 

a song of faith 62 

the greatness of little things .... 62 

renunciation 63 

"via crucis, via lucis!" 63 

a christmas hymn 64 

saviour, bless this marriage 64 

mount tacoma 65 

"parted" 66 

O STAR OF BETHLEHEM ! 66 

THE FUTURE 67 

love's ENCHANTED GARDEN 68 

" JESUS lives!" 68 



PAGE 

love's anguish 69 

the daily evensong 69 

love revived 70 

"fasting" 70 

ring out^ ye merry christmas bells . . 71 

the living past 72 

"one step ENOUGH FOR ME !" 72 

an easter carol 73 

love and death 73 

dreaming 74) 

"unworthy" 74 

"the queen of hearts" 75 

thanksgiving 75 

easter victory 76 

the coquette 76 

easter triumph ! 77 

come, come to me, my darling ! .... 77 

"we never MEET !" 78 

"jESUS, LOOK WITH PITYING EYE !" . . . .78 

THE flower's LESSON 79 

life and death 80 

"not wasted!" 80 

"thine eyes!" 81 

retrospect 81 

telepathy 82 

we pray thee, lord, for rest .... 82 

the angel of hope 83 

azure eyes 83 

"forget me not" 84 

TO MY valentine 84) 

TO JESUS CHRIST WE SING ! 84 

LONGING 85 

the promise of spring 85 

to a flower 86 

love's rejection 86 

marplot dick 87 



PAGE 

in dreams 88 

"only a voice !" 88 

perchance 89 

love's appeal 89 

a sacrifice 90 

"satiabor^ cum apparuerit tua gloria" . . 90 

constancy 91 

love's triumph 92 

LOVE CAME TO ME ! 92 

THE angel's song 93 

LOVING AND GIVING 93 

THE MIRAGE OF ETERNAL YOUTH .... 94 

GLORY TO THE SAVIOUR GIVE ! 95 

A SONG OF THE WHEEL 95 

love's IMMORTALITY 96 

"speak, lord, for thy SERVANT HEARETH !" . 96 

"one word of comfort" 97 

friendship . 98 

marguerite 98 

PANSIES 99 

THE WHITE ROSEBUD 99 

"thou art THE way" 102 

IN THE VALLEY 102 

TO THE ABSENT 103 

"in THE spirit" 103 

TWO PICTURES 104 

"the hush that FOLLOWS THE PRAYER" . .104 

LOVE AND YOUTH 105 

LOVE CONQUERS TIME 106 

"christus resurrexit" 106 

love's tribute 107 

MY mother's voice 108 

"the christian steps of ST. Bernard" . .108 

O LOVE, MY WAY IS DARK ! 109 

A SONG OF LOVE 110 

LOVE AND FORGIVENESS 110 



PAGE 

"lord of the harvest!" Ill 

"before the throne!" 112 

THY saviour comes! 113 

"let it not be in vain that THOU HAST 

died!" 114 

love passed me by ! . . . . . . . .114 

a dream of heaven 115 

far western chicken il6 

"that FIRST SWEET DREAM OF LOVe" . . .116 

two views of life 117 

the sacred heart 118 

you prayed for me ! 119 

"et mon cceur, c'est mort!" . . . . .119 
the sacred power of song 120 

"for me THERE IS NO TIMe" 120 

Armenia's prayer 121 

lord, make us thine ! 122 

MY BABY brother's GRAVE 122 

BEATRICE 123 

YOU THINK OF ME 124 

O LORD OF HOSTS, TO THEE, MOST HIGH ! . . 125 

THE ANGEL OF PAIN 125 

SOME WORD FOR THEE . . . . . . .126 

love's SYMBOLS 126 

god of the nations, who of old . . . .127 

"unsatisfied" 128 

two pictures of rest 128 

a song of the fireside 129 

"divided!" 130 

saviour, we come to thee 131 

sweet western land ! 132 

"where is my lord?" 133 

the angel of faith 134 

easter joy 134 

i seek my love 135 

"'tis WEARY WAITING HERE !" 136 



PAGE 

love's last song 136 

god speed them on their way . . . .138 

the early service 138 

lost on the prairie 139 

"deliver us from evil" 140 

YOUR HEART IS HERE l^fl 

"the church IS open!" 14^2 

"midnight, and all IS well" 142 

FOR THE brotherhood OF ST. ANDREW . .143 

FANCY 144 

"the land OF THE WESt" 145 

GOD HEARD MY PRAYERS: YOU CAME . . .146 

"go WORK TO-DAY !" 147 

"only TO-DAY !" 148 

JESUS, ONCE A LITTLE CHILD 149 

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING 150 

A SONG OF VICTORY 1^0 

AN EVENING HYMN 151 

RING OUT, GLAD BELLS ! 152 

THE MOUNTAIN FLOWER 153 

HE IS NOT DEAD ^^* 

"space IS AS NOTHING TO SPIRIt" .... 154 

"come thou to me !" 15o 

"the ESSENCE OF LIFE IS DIVINE !" .... 157 

HOW VIOLETS GROW 159 

"the GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL !" . 159 

THE MISSION BELL lOO 

O PERFECT DAY 1^1 

GOD, HIS CHILDREN DEAR DEFENDING . . . l62 
LOVE AND YOUTH TOGETHER STRAYED . . .162 

A DREAM OF LOVE 1"3 

TENNYSON ^^^ 

"incense SHALL BE OFFERED !" l05 

THE GUARDIAN ANGEL 1 00 

YOU LOVED ME, DEAR ! lo6 

SING ONCE AGAIN lo7 



PAGE 

THE EGYPTIAN MUMMY . . . . . . . l68 

EASTER LESSONS l69 

I LOVE THEE^ DEAREST ! .171 

THE LESSON OF THE IVY 172 

"o, GIVE US NOW repose!" 173 

"feed my lambs!" 174 

THE promise of THE FUTURE 174 

THE BLIND ORGANIST 175 

THE WORLD THEN AND NOW 176 

THE WAY OF PENITENCE 176 

AT EVENTIDE 178 

THE GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE 178 

WHEN I AM DEAD 179 

"nature's sweet restorer" 180 

THE STRATFORD ELMS 180 

THE SACRED PICTURE 181 

THROUGH THE DAY I SOUGHT MY LORD . .182 

MY LOST HOPE CAME TO ME 183 

DEUS REGNAT 184 

THE GREAT WHITE FATHER !" 186 

WE SAILED away!" 187 

THOU ART AN ANGEL WITH A VOICE DIVINe" . 188 

GOD LOOKETH DOWN ALWAY !" 189 

O CAST ME NOT AWAy" 190 

GOD TEMPERS THE WIND TO THE SHORN LAMb" 191 

THE DESERT FLOWER 192 

god's IMAGE 194 

"how SWEET HIS REST !" 195 

TO WASHINGTON 196 

AWAKE, MY SOUL, TO-DAY ! 196 

THE CHRIST-CHILd's OUTSTRETCHED HANDS . 197 

ring out, sweet chimes ! 198 

"o ye of little faith ! why will ye die?" . 199 

"he, being deaDj yet speaketh!" . . . 200 

THE singer's message 201 

"when roses bloom" 202 



PAGE 

THE CHRISTMAS ROSE 202 

SING, JOYFUL SONS OF MEN 203 

THE LAND OF LOVE 204 

RING OUT, SWEET EASTER BELLS .... 205 

"sing, O HEAVENS, AND LET EARTH REJOICE !" . 206 

"take all, only LEAVE ME THYSELf" . . 206 

"the distant triumph-song" 207 

can love grow cold? 208 

THANKSGIVING, 1908 209 

"l SHALL BE satisfied!" 210 

"the one true light" 211 

"the bells of youth" 212 

"tell us the news from France!" . . . 212 
arise, my soul! 213 

A PERSIAN lover's SONG 214 

"if I could sing" 214 

the CHRISTMAS ANGEL 215 

"is THERE BALM IN GILEAD?" 2l6 

FAR FROM THY GRAVE ! 217 

RING OUT, GLAD CHRISTMAS BELLS ! .... 218 
"not THOUGHTS ALONE, BUT DEEDs" . . .219 



aeonian (BtbotfS 

If all the words we say 
Through space shall echo, then speak carefully ; 

For fear some future day 
They shall return, accusers dread to be. 

No, let our words be blest — 
From saddened, lonely hearts dispel the gloom. 
Teach comfort to the mourner at the tomb. 

And to the weary rest. 

Oh, let our thoughts be seeds 
Of good, that, bringing forth each kindly word^ 

May help to nobler deeds. 
Till nought on earth but harmony is heard. 



aeonian dBcftoes; 



"TUA EST POTENTIA!" 

I BESIEGED heaven with prayers ; I fasted, wept, 

And prayed while others slept. 
I worked for Christ, I labored with the poor, 
And never turned a beggar from my door; — 
And yet I grew in sinfulness and pride. 
Though years thus passed, I was unsatisfied, 

Until, the truth revealed through bitter tears, 

I looked back on past years. 
The feeling stronger grew; I knew, at length. 
That I had labored too much in my strength; 
That all my work for sin could not atone; 
For Thou must save, O Christ, and Thou alone ! 

"PARTING IS SWEET SORROW" 

WiiiT thou remember, love, when we are old, 
And Time upon our brows his seal has set. 
Our solemn vows — how often we have met? 
Or wilt thou turn away, thy love grown cold.'' 
'Twas in the springtime that our love was told; 
Then let me dream that thou wilt ne'er for- 
get, 
Or look back at these hours with regret. 
When Autumn's kiss has touched the hills with 

gold. 
O'er which is stealing now Night's chilly 
breath. 



aeonian aBcj)oe0 3 

As we are parting by the sobbing sea. 

I ask no greater boon of Life or Death, 
Than that thy heart will ever turn to me. 

So hearken, love, to what my spirit saith. 
And bid me hope that what has been will be ! 

EDITH 

I CANNOT tell the color of her eyes ; 
They always made me think of April skies. 
For though her smile was like the sunbeam's 

ray, 
The tears were never very far away. 
Within my heart is shrined a picture rare — 
Her sweet Madonna face and sun-kissed hair. 

I think I never lived until the hour 
When first I knew and felt her gentle power, 
So pure was she, her presence raised my heart 
To higher things of which she seemed a part. 
But she who was so soon to be my bride 
Drooped like a fading lily by my side. 

Although she never lived to be my wife. 

Against the ceaseless changes of this life, 

And all temptations to the path of sin, 

I bear a talisman my heart within — 

The memory of one forever dear. 

Too fair for earth, too pure to linger here! 



aeottian (Bthot^ 



LAST YEAR'S GIRL 

The wind sighed through the trees, 

As on my bended knees, 
To her I loved I breathed my tender passion. 

I spoke of wild unrest 

Within my manly breast, 
And did it all, I think, in proper fashion. 

Ah! who can tell the bliss 

Of our first loving kiss ; 
I vowed my love for her would never die. 

A rustle in the grass. 

And through the woods, alas. 
Came Last Year's Girl with vengeance in her 
eye! 

As she rehearsed her woes. 

With elevated nose. 
And showed the letters that I wrote last year; 

I trembled and grew pale. 

And my weak words would fail 
To tell of all that happened then, I fear. 

So, jilted and forlorn. 

Left all alone, I mourn. 
And think of blighted hopes with moody brow. 

My board bill's not yet paid. 

And I am still afraid 
To try to win another rich girl now. 



aeonian (Bthot^ 



REGRET 

A STAR flashed through the darkness. Thus 
She came. 

New life within my throbbing pulses stirred. 

Can I forget the day when first I heard, 
Oh! short-lived joy! the music of her name? 

I, who had boasted that no woman's face 
Could come between me and my cherished 

art, 
Now found it easy to resign my heart. 

Thus yielding to her loveliness and grace. 

She never loved me, though I felt her spell. 

Time has not taught my spirit to forget. 

I turn back to the past with keen regret, 
And sigh to think life is one long farewell! 

A LENTEN PRAYER 

Lord, Thou hast died for us, so let it be 
Our highest, noblest aim to live for Thee. 
Help us this Lent a new life to begin, 
Pardon our frailty, take away our sin. 

And when the Easter light shall dawn at last, 
And this Lent, too, be numbered with the past, 
Lord, make its teachings in our hearts abound. 
Its blessings lasting all the whole year round. 



aeonian (Ec|)oe0 



"THEY SAY" 

They say her *'Ma" is queer, 

Her "Pa" drinks too much beer, 
Her brother left a bank too hastily. 

To Canada he went. 

And all the money spent; 
Yet she's the girl of all the girls for me! 

Her bills are never paid 

They say, and I'm afraid 
Some truth in this last statement there must be. 

Yet she has charming eyes ; 

You may not think it wise. 
But she's the girl of all the girls for me! 

They say her hair is red, 

(Auburn, they should have said,) 
That she has freckles ; yet I cannot see 

What harm there is in that; 

They even call her fat! 
Yet she's the girl of all the girls for me! 

If all these things are true, 

What can a fellow do? 
I know quite well that she flirts desp'rately! 

But let who will protest, 

I think she likes me best ! 
So she's the girl of all the girls for me! 



aeonfan Ccftoe^ 



THE ARTIST'S DREAM 

She came to me! All robed in dainty white, 
A radiant vision beamed upon my sight. 
Dreamlike, the snowy clouds of fairy lace 
Revealed her slender figure's girlish grace. 
She seemed to me like some stray elfin sprite. 

The shadows fell; for me there was no night. 
Her presence turned the darkness into light. 
Called by a wish from out of time and space. 
She came to me! 

Like crystal lakes her eyes were shining bright. 
Her hair, unbound, fell o'er her form so slight. 
And framed the classic beauty of her face. 
Half shrinking from her lover's fond em- 
brace, 
But, like a bird that wearies of its flight. 
She came to me. 



THE HOUR OF PRAYER 

Sweet are the hours that we spend in prayer. 
And sweet the blessings that those hours 

give; 
In prayer alone the soul may truly live; 

Our hope through life, our refuge from despair. 



aeonfan (Ecl)oe0 



ESTRANGED 

One day (ah! can it be?) 'twas years ago, 
(So deeply 'tis engraven on my heart,) 
We wandered on the beach, with footsteps slow. 
The hour had come to part ! 

Methought Love lay on all things like a spell, 

Above, the sunny sky; below, the sea. 
But ah! the sea and sky will never tell 
The tale you told to me! 

It was too bright, too sweet a dream to last. 

But oh! the waking was such bitter pain! 
In memories of that once happy past, 
I see your face again! 

As daylight dies, I wait the coming night ; 

Your once loved voice again I seem to hear — 
But no real presence greets my longing sight. 
'Tis but a memory dear! 



"REMEMBER!" 

Remember me when you are far away. 
And time and tide have parted us forever. 
Nor time nor tide our souls have strength to 
sever. 

But think of me most kindly when you pray! 



aeonian (gcftoeg 9 

PARTING 

Once more we part. I stoop to kiss your 
hand. 

You do not think that flirting is a sin, 
Though forced at last to make me understand 

That I no more can hope your love to win. 

I know that we can never meet again 
As once we met, yet I am strangely weak ! 

I could forgive you all the bitter pain. 

If but one word of comfort you would speak. 

I loved you so, I thought you far above 
A petty thirst for conquest. Bitter thought ! 

That you are so unworthy of my love. 

And glory in the harm that you have 
wrought ! 

And can it be that you have no remorse.? 

Nor nurse a single feeling of regret 
For this your double life, your cruel course? 

I wish, alas, that we had never met! 

Although you prove as hard and stern as Fate, 
Affection cannot be controlled at will; 

And parting is so hard! It is too late 

For me to change. I feel I love you still! 



10 aeonian OBcftoeg 

TO A BILLET-DOUX 

Go, little note, and may my loved one's heart 
By thee be touched and feel the subtle spell 
Of that strong love which I would have thee 
tell. 
If tears, unbidden, to her bright eyes start 
At the sad thought that we are far apart. 
Yet shall we meet again, and all be well. 
Our parting was so hard that o'er me fell 
A sudden gloom. Time has not healed the 
smart 
Of Cupid's darts. Though wide seas roll be- 
tween. 
My thoughts through time and space to her will 

fly- 

I see her face in every changing scene; 
Her name the balmy breezes softly sigh. 

Go, little note, and bear to my heart's queen 
The tribute of a love that will not die! 

LOVE'S LAST TRIBUTE 

Roses I laid on my loved one's head, 
To crown the beautiful, queenly dead. 
Fairest of blossoms in clusters bright 
Drooped o'er her delicate robe of white; 
But the last sweet tribute of love's regret 
I laid on her bosom — the violet! 



geonian (gcftoeg ii 

O PASS ME NOT! 

"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by." St. Luke xviii, 32. 
O PASS me not, dear Lord! though far from 

Thee 
Too often I have wandered. Tremblingly, 
Again to seek the narrow path I try. 
Remember not the years that have gone by! 
No longer from Thy Presence would I flee ! 

Because I am so blind I cannot see 
How great my need of help and strength must 
be, 
Look on my weakness. Lord, with pitying 



eye! 



O pass me not! 



Thy blood upon the cross was shed for me 
To set my spirit from its bondage free. 

And without Thee I dare not live or die! 

Thou, Who dost hearken to the sinner's cry. 
Now listen to my humble, earnest plea! 
O pass me not! 

LOVE'S EQUALITY 

I OFTEN wonder why the strongest will 
O'er the affections has so little power. 
For rich and poor alike must know the hour 

Of love, so strong to work us good or ill. 



12 geonian (Ecboeg 

THEN AND NOW 

He clasped his loved one to his breast, 
And what to them the bitter woe 
Of earth? an Eden here below 

It seemed to them, and they most blest. 

And as a tale to children told 

To frighten, so death seemed to them; 
Yet who of grief the tide can stem? 

Too soon the heart she loved grew cold. 

Death darkens all her life's fair day ! 
An early day; a carved stone 
She weeps beside! bereft, alone! 

Too soon the dream has passed away! 

"SHE LOVED BUT ONCE!" 

She loved but once! The passion unreturned. 

Outliving hope, within her bosom burned. 

Careless, unheeding, as he passed her by. 

The flush upon her cheek, her weary sigh. 

He never knew what treasure he had spurned! 

The world must never know for what she 

yearned ; 
And so her woman's pride the lesson learned 
To hide her grief; alone to live and die. 
She loved but once ! 



aeonian dEcftoeg i3 

At last a certain calm her patience earned; 
So well her part was played, she seemed con- 
cerned 
With youthful pleasures. Though men 

wondered why 
She shrank from them, and thought her 
strangely shy. 
As years passed on, the truth was not discerned. 
She loved but once ! 

I THINK OF THEE! 

I THINK of thee ! and suddenly the cloud 
That has enwrapped my spirit like a shroud 
Is all dispelled, and vanishes from sight. 
As darkness flees before the dawning light. 
I think of thee ! 

Like blossoms drooping in the summer rain, 
That, when the storm is o'er, refreshed, again 
Lift their sweet faces to the sun's warm rays, 
My hopes revive; I dream of brighter days. 
I think of thee! 

Though crushed by sorrow and oppressed by 

Fate, 
Thy presence makes my heart less desolate. 
O dearest love ! Be thine the gentle power 
To comfort me; for in my darkest hour 
I think of thee ! 



14 aeonian (gcftoeg 

DOMINE, BENEDIC MIHI, HODIE 
QUOTIDIEQUE ! 

Dear Saviour, hearken to me while I pray 
For mercy now, and turn to Thee again. 
Thy love is sweeter than the praise of men; 
As days grow shorter, flowers fade away, 
So, soon for me will end this transient stay 
Upon the earth. I ask for pardon when 
I die, but do not wait, dear Lord, till then, 
But come to me in peace and love to-day! 
My prayers, ascending to Thy mercy-seat. 
Shall breathe repentance. Oh! hide not Thy 

face 
From one who, toiling on with weary feet. 
Finds that the world is no abiding-place, 
And only asks the comfort of Thy Grace 
To light the narrow path and make life sweet. 

TO FLORA 

I CARE not though the days be dark and drear, 
If I am with my love, whose radiant eyes 
Reflect the glory of the summer skies. 

The clouds may lower, but if she be near, 

And I can look upon her face so dear. 

Then joyful hopes within my heart arise; 
I dream of wedded bliss, of sweeter ties 

Than even those which bind us now; no fear 
Of future sorrow shall my heart oppress, 



aeonian (2c|)oe0 15 

For nature's beauties, flowers fair, sunshine, 
Are blended with her presence, and I bless 

Her coming, since it is to me the sign 
Of brighter days and all the happiness 

That I shall share with this sweet love of mine. 



OH, WEARY LIFE! 

Oh, weary Life ! 'Tis scarce worth while 
To struggle on, to weep and smile; 

So soon the dream must fade away. 
So soon the hopes in which we trust 
Will fall like leaves into the dust! 

As wanes the year, so ends Life's day. 

Oh, weary Life! and yet how sweet 
The flowers that blossomed at our feet. 

In brighter days when we were young! 
But pain and grief came all too soon; 
Our hearts are sadly out of tune 

With joyful songs that once we sung. 

Oh, weary Life! The little joy 
That we can have without alloy 

May ne'er be measured with our pains. 
Yet lives can last so short a day. 
Like bubbles on the ocean's spray. 

That break, and lo ! no trace remains ! 



16 aeonian ©cftoe^ 

SWEETHEART ! 

Sweetheart, the skies above are gray, 
As through the woods I find my way. 
Across my path the wild winds moan, 
While now I wander here alone, 
Where we together loved to stray. 

But through the clouds there shines a ray 
Of light! A bird trills forth his lay. 
And love is blended with each tone! 
Sweetheart ! 

Dear, let me hope that soon I may 
See thee again. Oh, happy day, 

When here, where first our love was shown, 

I shall reclaim thee as my own! 
How soon 'twill be, thy lips must say! 
Sweetheart ! 

"THE UNVEILED SISTER" 

Time gently laid his hand upon her brow ; 
And though he marked it with his pencil. 

Care, 
He traced a holy calm which lingers there. 
We see it shining in her sweet face now. 
And though her lips have made no solemn vow 
To spend her days in ceaseless toil and 
prayer. 



aeonian Ccftoes! 17 

Yet, would you find her? Go where wild 
despair 
And sorrow reign supreme. I wonder how 
She dares to venture into haunts of sin! 

Her faithful spirit is so brave and strong 

To fight against the dreadful shame and 
wrong 
She sees about her; souls for Christ to win! 

Ah! far away she hears the angels' song, 
Which finds an echo sweet, her heart within. 

REGRET AND HOPE 

The roses we gathered together, 
The fairest flowers that grow; 

In the beautiful summer weather. 
They faded away years ago. 

And strains, the sweetest and nearest, 
The songs that thy loved voice sung, 

Are hushed into silence, dearest, 
Thy harp is untouched, unstrung. 

Perchance in the far-away ages 
The flowers may bloom as sweet. 

And life will open fresh pages, 

New songs, love, thy dear lips repeat. 



18 aeonian dBcftoe^ 

BEFORE WE MET! 

Before me met, ere I had looked on thee, 
And dared to hope thy thoughts would turn to 
me. 

The sunlight never shone so bright and fair. 

Now, like a bird entangled in a snare, 
I struggle, though not anxious to be free. 

Fresh beauties now in Nature's face I see; 
The birds are singing sweetest melody. 

How different from the days of dark despair, 
Before we met! 

For I was sad and lonely. None but she 
Could soothe my sorrow, or have found the key 
Of this fond heart, once so oppressed by 

care. 
O love, with radiant eyes and golden hair, 
I never knew how sweet my life could be! 
Before we met! 

ONCE THOU WERT MINE! 

Once thou wert mine! Ah! was it long ago 
That arm in arm we wandered to and fro 
Upon the beach, and watched the ebbing tide 
In rippling surges near our footsteps glide? 
Both sky and sea shone in the moonlight's 
glow. 



aeonian (Kcboe^ 19 

For we were happy then, we could not know 
That Time so soon would bring us pain and 
woe! 
But, though all hope within my breast has 
died, 

Once thou wert mine ! 

Across my lonely path the breezes blow. 
Where in the past, O faithless one, I trow 
Thou lovedst once to linger by my side; 
Yet this thought soothes my wounded spirit's 
pride. 
Thou dost not love me now, sweetheart, but oh ! 
Once thou wert mine! 

LOVE'S FANCIES 

I EVER bear thy image in my heart. 

Absence and time can never separate 
Thy soul from mine, though we are far apart, 

Love's magic spell will conquer Time and 
Fate! 

As artists paint in hues so bright and clear. 
We think them stolen from the sun's own 
rays; 

So fancy traces all thy beauty, dear, 
On heart and mind, recalling other days. 



20 aeonian Ccftoe^ 

Though thou art never clasped in my embrace, 
At break of day, at noon, at eventide — 

I seem again to see thee face to face ! 

A wish, a thought, and thou art by my side ! 

EASTER BELLS ARE RINGING 

Easter bells are ringing! 

Birds are sweetly singing! 
Let our songs of triumph reach the skies ! 

On this world of sorrow 

Dawns a brighter morrow; 
Christ is risen that we too may rise! 

Mourners, cease your weeping! 

Safe in Jesus' keeping 
Are the dear ones who have passed away. 

Since our Lord is risen 

From the grave's dark prison, 
He Himself is now our hope and stay ! 



Easter bells are ringing! 

Birds are sweetly singing! 
Linger not! "Press onward to the prize 

Heaven the goal before thee. 

Angels watching o'er thee. 
Rise, my soul, thy Saviour bids thee rise! 



I" 



aeonian (Btbot^ 21 

"THE STILL, SMALL VOICE" 

It is not in the storm alone we hear 

His holy Voice ! Ah no ! but in the hour 
Of pain and grief we feel its gentle power. 

Touching our hearts and banishing all fear, 

It whispers that the Lord Himself is near. 
Oh, sweeter far than any fragrant flower 
Blooming, in olden time, in Eden's bower. 

And dearer than the life we hold so dear. 
Comes to our souls the Voice that raised the 
dead. 

That breathed forgiveness when, upon the tree. 
Dying for us. He bowed His sacred Head, 
And words of pardon for our comfort said! 

Then wake, my soul! He lives, who died for 
thee! 
He speaks to thee, whose blood for thee was 
shed! 

TO REGRET 

Daughter of Sorrow, men have named Regret ! 

Thy mournful grace 
Too gladly shrinking mortals would forget. 

Thy pale, sweet face. 
Sadder than Death, more beautiful than Love 

In early youth. 
Yet tinged with glory, shines our griefs above, 

Reflecting Truth. 



22 aeonian (gcftoeg 

RESIGNATION 

What though I stagger 'neath a heavy cross, 

I do not fear 
The dark'ning clouds, nor keenest pain and 
loss. 

If Thou be near — 
If through the shadows I can hear Thy voice 

So dear to me; 
'Twill make this poor, weak, struggling soul re- 
joice 

In thoughts of Thee! 
Be with me. Lord, in sorrow and in joy. 

As in the past; 
Till, purified by love from sin's alloy, 

I rest at last! 



THE GARDEN OF THE HEART 

In years gone by, ere Fate had bid us part. 
Thy love for me was all my hope and pride! 

Come, love, into the garden of my heart. 
Where flowers blossom fair on every side. 

Thy words and deeds of love are blooming 
there. 

For what has been forevermore must be. 
Their fragrance fills the summer-scented air; 

Their sweetness lingers evermore with me. 



aeonian (lEcf)oe0 23 

These blossoms, gifted with immortal bloom, 
Grow fairer as I watch the years go by. 

Their beauty shall not wither at the tomb; 
For Love and Memory can never die 

While in that garden lingers Love's sweet spell ; 
And, wand'ring through the paths with foot- 
steps slow, 
I hear again the voice I love so well. 

Like soft, sweet strains, heard in the long 
ago! 

LOVE'S SWEETEST SONG 

Oh sing again that strangest, sweetest song 
Of Love and Faith that oft hath made me 

strong 
To fight life's battles when we were apart; 
It ever finds an echo in my heart! 

Perchance in Eden's bowers Eve was heard 
Singing these notes, and not a leaflet stirred 
As if e'en Nature's voice were hushed to hear 
Those strains of music, rising sweet and clear; 

Then, growing softer, as a summer day, 
Spent with its sweetness, slowly dies away, 
Now down the centuries we seem to see 
Time bear its bliss, sweetheart, to you and me ! 



24 aeonian aBcf)oe0 

Then sing again, I pray, that strange, sweet 

song 
Of Love and Faith that ever conquered wrong; 
Of joy and sadness blended in the past, 
For 'tis a song of triumph at the last! 

LOVE'S MAGIC TOUCH 

If she had never come 
Into my life which she has made so bright 
With her sweet presence — then for me the light 
Had never shone so fair upon my way; 
But now Love turns the darkness into day. 

If I had never heard 

The low, sweet accents of my darling's voice, 

Whose music makes this throbbing heart re- 
joice, 

Then in dark clouds my life's sun would have 
set. 

How sad and lonely, had we never met! 

But since my darling came. 
Love's magic touch has changed the world for 

me! 
I never knew such happiness could be ! 
And if stern Fate should part us now, I know 
My life would ever bear Love's afterglow! 



aeottian (CcJ)oe0 25 

BY THY LOVE 

By thy love which first I knew 
When the drops of sparkling dew 
Glittered on each fragrant flower, 
At Love's first sweet twilight hour, 
Let me feel thy heart is true. 

Life is short and days are few, 
But this vow I ne'er shall rue; 

I am filled with strength and power 
By thy love! 

Looking in thine eyes of blue, 

Once again I humbly sue. 

As we linger in Love's bower. 
Heaven's blessings on us shower. 

I shall live my whole life through 
By thy love! 

BLIGHTED HOPES 

Sweet Flora looked upon a rosebud fair. 
Which held the hidden power, rich and rare. 
To touch her spirit; fast the hot tears fell; 
A tale of anguish could her pale lips tell! 

Alas! two souls have drifted far apart! 
She wears the blossom o'er a breaking heart. 
Which once she gladly clasped in girlish pride. 
'Twas love's last token ere her hopes had died ! 



26 aeonian OEcftoe^ 

"IS LIFE WORTH LIVING?" 

Is life worth living, since so brief our stay 
Upon the earth? Time tolls the passing bell. 
In youth love weaves about our hearts a spell, 
But swiftly then the hours pass away 
And youth and beauty hasten to decay. 
And rosy lips that now sweet secrets tell 
Will learn, alas ! too soon to say "farewell" ! 
Is life worth living? Like an April day 
Our brief existence here; the smiles and tears 
Are strangely mingled. Older, wiser grown. 
We smile upon the young whose hopes and 

fears 
Recall the early days that were our own, 
And feel as we await the coming years. 
Our spirits soon shall live in the unknown! 



THE GATES OF PARADISE 

'TwAS but a dream, and yet methought how 
sweet 
To pass so near the gates of Paradise. 
I scarcely dared to lift my tearful eyes 
Above earth's anguish to the mercy-seat, 
But wandered on with weary, bleeding feet. 
At last my spirit looking toward the skies 
Seemed raised above its sorrow, pain, and 
sighs ; 



aeonian dBcftoe^ 27 

Then came the hour that made my life com- 
plete. 
The gates of Paradise unclosed to me; 
And yet methought I dared not enter in, 
Until at last, released from care and sin, 
I heard sweet tones of richest harmony ; 

Then came a voice, "Thy faith a crown 
shall win. 
E'en now the angels' song is meant for thee!" 

ONLY A LITTLE WHILE 

Only a little while, with toil and tears. 

To bear the holy standard of the cross; 
Round which are clustered all our hopes and 
fears. 
For which we gladly "count the world but 
loss." 

Only a little while ere we shall see 

The faces that have faded from our sight. 

Leaving behind a fragrant memory. 

To guide our footsteps like a beacon light. 

Only a little while lasts Life's brief day; 

For when our hearts have more submissive 
grown, 
The veil 'twixt heaven and earth will melt away. 

And we shall see and know as we are known ! 



28 aeonian dBcftoe^ 

TO COLUMBUS 

Could thy prophetic soul the greatness see 
Of this fair land? Perchance a radiant 
gleam 

Of light across the ages shone on thee, 
Revealing future glory in a dream. 

Thy name revered is traced by Fate and Time, 
Emblazoned on Eternity's fair scroll. 

Respected, honored — now in every clime, 
We hear it echoing from pole to pole. 

OUR MEETING 

We met last night ; my unforgotten pain 
Came forth to mock me, and I knew in vain 
I strove to conquer mem'ries of the past. 
Which now, I fear, will conquer to the last. 

We met last night; she bowed her queenly 

head. 
I scarcely seemed to hear the words she said. 
She smiled; — a light was shining o'er my 

way — 
The fragrant beauty of a fair spring day, 

The magic of a song, can ne'er beguile 
My spirit as the radiance of her smile. 
We met to part, and we no more may meet; 
But ah! the memory is passing sweet! 



aeonian fficboes 29 

"VIA, ET VERITAS, ET VITA" 

Jesus, our only hope in sorrow's hour 
Reveal Thyself, in Thine all-healing power; 
And when through paths of sin our footsteps 

stray. 
Teach us to feel, dear Lord, Thou art the 

Way! 

When doubts seem driving us to dark despair. 
And we can scarcely frame our lips for prayer, 
Forgive the sinfulness of age and youth, 
And teach us. Lord, to feel Thou art the 
Truth ! 

And when the soul seems paralyzed with pain. 
And human sympathy has tried in vain 
To touch the deadened spirit — in the strife. 
Teach us, dear Lord, to feel Thou art the Life ! 



A MIDNIGHT VISION 

Back from the dead methought my lost love 
came! 
I saw the grave-dust clinging, damp and 

cold, 
To that white robe which did her form en- 
fold. 
And then I heard her sweet voice call my name ! 



30 aeonian (Bchot$ 

And I forgot the years that lay between 
The present and the past's sweet hopes and 

pain, 
As in a dream one seems to live again, 

Enraptured, in an old, familiar scene. 

Her hair in waves of light shone through the 
gloom. 
And like a halo crowned her saintly brow; 
The lips that once had breathed the marriage- 
vow 
In quivering accents spoke, as from the 
tomb : 

"O love! I come to find thee faithful still, 
As in the days when I, a happy bride. 
Had but one thought, my sweetest joy and 
pride. 

To live with thee, sweetheart, and do thy will !" 

She ceased. Without, I heard the weird wind's 
moan. 
My lips were sealed; I dare not bid her 

stay! 
Alas! too soon the hour passed away! 
The vision faded, and I was alone! 



aeonian (lEcf)oe0 31 



I SEE THEE NOT! 

I SEE thee not! In sunshine or in rain 
I dare not hope to see thy face again. 

Earth's fairest laurels, laid upon my brow, 
Bring now no rapture; oft I wonder how 
I may subdue my restless spirit's pain. 

The praise that I have loved becomes my bane. 
Because thy voice is silent; and in vain 

The proud world smiles; I long to hear 
love's vow! 

I see thee not! 

And as I watch the daylight slowly wane, 
I seem to see once more the quiet lane 

Where first our love was told. Dear heart 

allow 
This memory; it cannot hurt thee now! 
Though to revive life's sweetness I am fain, 
I see thee not! 

AUTUMN THOUGHTS 

Summer is dead ; the autumn winds are sighing 

Through leafless trees; the flowers fade 

away. 

Southward, to warmer climes, the birds are 

flying. 

I, too, should go, yet here with thee I stay. 



32 aeonian (Btbot^ 

Once when the autumn came, the long year 
waning, 
My soul grew sad; all nature spoke of 
death. 
Now no regret my happy heart is paining; 
Thy name is borne upon the breeze's breath! 

What if for me there dawn a darker morrow? 

Now I may see the brightness of thy face ! 
I have no fear of death, or pain, or sorrow, 

While I enfold thee in my fond embrace! 

UNREQUITED 

For thee alone, sweetheart, I vainly sigh, 

For happiness to make my life complete. 
Above I see the gray, autumnal sky, 

Earth's fairest flowers fading at my feet. 
O love ! if, dying, I should see thee near. 

And hear again the music of thy voice, 
'Twould call me back to all that makes life 
dear. 

For one brief moment in thee to rejoice. 
And if, while still thou livest, I must die, 

I fancy I should wake from that last sleep 
To hear thy careless footsteps passing by 

My grave — one moment, dear, awake to 
weep 
For love that never was or can be mine. 
Thy love, for which in vain my heart doth pine. 



3eonian (2cf)oe0 33 

LITTLE MARGUERITE 

Baby hands are clasped in prayer. 
Marguerite so pure and fair 
Prays her sins may be forgiven; 
Eyes of blue are raised to heaven. 
May she ever be as sweet, 
Darling little Marguerite! 

"Bless Papa, Mamma," I hear 
Said in accents sweet and clear; 
"And dear brother." He is dead. 
Yet the prayer is ever said. 
Who would check those words of love 
Rising to the throne above? 

Now I clasp her to my heart, 
Hot tears to my eyelids start. 
At the thought of future years 
That may bring her pain and tears. 
May God keep her pure and sweet. 
Darling little Marguerite! 

HOPE'S BURIAL 

"I HAVE buried my hope in a grave so deep, 
I have laid it so quietly down to sleep. 
It shall never mock me with scornful gaze. 
And the memories of the far-off days !" 



34 aeonian (Btbot^ 

Thus I said to my soul, but, alas ! not so ! 
For an hour came of the keenest woe; 
When back to my spirit came again 
The ghost of a hope that had changed to pain ! 

LOST GOLDEN MOMENTS 



I WANDER through the world, my soul storm- 
tossed. 

Seeking the moments that my slumber lost. 

So short a time ! yet all my search is vain ; 

For, worn with weariness and grief and pain, 

I faltered on my life's rough, thorny way; 

Love passed, nor lingered where I, sleeping, 
lay. 

The sun shone brighter and the flowers fair 

With sweeter perfumes filled the ambient air. 

II 
As Cupid passed I dreamed of love and life, 
Of freedom, too, from weariness and strife; 
Then woke to hear his footsteps die away. 
In vain I called upon the god to stay; 
Alas ! his arrow rankles in my breast, 
And, evermore, filled with a sweet unrest, 
I wander through the world, my soul storm- 
tossed. 
Seeking the moments that my slumber lost! 



aeonian (gcftoeg 35 

RING, CHRISTMAS CHIMES 

Ring, Christmas chimes! ring out a joyous 
peal 
In silv'ry tones, for if the Lesser Lent 
Has not been wasted, then our hearts may 
feel 
The peace and happiness of days well spent. 

Ring, Christmas chimes ! and echo far away 
O'er land and sea, the wanderer to greet; 

Our souls are filled with holy thoughts to- 
day. 
Our hearts responding to thy music sweet. 

Ring, Christmas chimes ! and teach us to re- 
joice 
In Him, Who is by heaven and earth adored. 
Ring, Christmas chimes ! proclaim with mighty 
voice 
It is the birthday of our Blessed Lord! 

"LOVE DIVINE!" 

Love Divine! O Love most sweet, 

1 look up toward Thy mercy seat 

With streaming eyes and bleeding heart. 
But Thou shalt give me holy rest. 
And calm the conflict in my breast, 

Since of my life Thou form'st a part. 



36 aeonian dBcftoe^ 

O Love Divine ! though far from home 
My careless feet were wont to roam, 

I heard the music of Thy Voice! 
It soothed my restless spirit's pain, 
And brought me back to life again 

In holy freedom to rejoice. 

O Love Divine! so far above 
The purest, truest earthly love, 

Protect and save us in the strife! 
Till Jordan's narrow stream is passed. 
And sin and death o'ercome at last. 

We rise into the noblest life! 



O HAPPY EASTER DAY! 

O HAPPY Easter Day! 

The stone is rolled away; 
The Saviour lives. Who died to set us free ! 

From earth's remotest bound 

Rings out the joyous sound. 
The song of triumph and of victory! 

O happy Easter Day! 

At Jesus' feet we lay 
Our fondest hope, the treasures of our love. 

In majesty adored, 

O make us Thine, dear Lord! 
And set our hearts on holy things above. 



aeonian ©cftoe^ 37 

O happy Easter Day! 

Now teach our souls to say 
The words our lips so gladly would repeat. 

Till peace through all the year 

Shall calm each anxious fear, 
And love at last shall make our lives complete. 

"PRAY FOR THE DEAD" 

"Pray for the dead!" O mourning hearts that 

feel 
Deep sadness, God Himself your wounds shall 
heal. 
Pray to the Lord to grant His people rest, 
And number them among the sainted blest. 
He will not turn away from love's appeal. 

Beside the cherished graves the stricken 

kneel. 
Oh! pray to Him with fervent, burning zeal, 
Who knows the needs of His beloved, best! 
Pray for the dead ! 

How should a Father with His children deal 
Except in love? He shall Himself reveal. 
Look up to Him! O mourning hearts op- 
pressed ! 
Faith is but being tried by truest test. 
As peace and comfort o'er your spirits steal, 
Pray for the dead! 



38 aeonian (2ci)oe0 

ONE HOUR 

I COULD renounce all I have asked of Fame, 
And tear the victor's laurels from my 

brow, — 
Youth's sweetest hopes could I surrender 
now, 
To live one hour again ! What if my name 
Shall be forgotten and no glory claim 
From future ages ? and what matter how 
I suffer? since stern Fate and Time allow 
Me this remembrance ! O'er my spirit came 
A sudden change! One hour passed away 
And I had felt the throbbing of new pain, 
New pleasure, born, methinks, of hope 
and fear. 
'Twas but the radiance of a dying day 

That nevermore shall light my path again. 
But I have lived one hour, so life is dear! 

"ET LACRIMATUS EST JESUS" 

The tears of grief we shed are sanctified 

Since Jesus wept, if from our hearts we say, 
"Thy will be done." Long years have 
passed away 
Since for our sakes the Saviour lived and died. 
Yet now, by faith, we see the crucified; 

And when life seems a long and weary day, 
Into our hearts there shines a radiant ray 



aeonian (gtftoeg 39 

Of light, within our spirits to abide 

And comfort us, the thought that Jesus 
wept. 
Angels in awe looked down upon that sight, 
And man also beheld the sacred tears. 

For us the hallowed record has been kept 
That He can fully share our hopes and fears, 
Leading us onward to the land of light. 

THE STILL HOUR 

As a fond mother soothes her suff'ring child 
Till love has almost charmed away the pain 
With which the healing art has striv'n in 
vain, — 
So Nature, who upon his morning smiled. 
When man has fallen, and, overcome by wild 
Remorse, and, shrinking from the world's 

disdain, 
Turneth away, with her sweet smile is fain 
To soothe his sorrow, and he sees her mild. 
Calm presence, which, if aught remains to him 
Of self-respect, will cheer his aching heart 
With new-born hopes ; life is not over 
yet; 
The past is left behind him, and a dim 
Sense that of Nature's realm he is a part 
Now mingles with his anguish and regret! 



40 aeonian OEcftoeg 

THE CRUCIFIX 

When overcome with doubt, despair, and woe, 
With weary, painful step, through life I go; 
A radiant glory shines again on me, 
It is the crucifix I once more see. 

When with temptations sore my soul is torn. 
The conflict so severe can scarce be borne, 
I touch the crucifix upon my breast. 
Its sacred meaning brings me peace and rest. 

By faith afar I view the promised land. 

And when my falt'ring feet shall touch that 

strand. 
Lord Jesus ! listen to my loving plea. 
That dying, I, the crucifix may see! 



"DOMINE, DOCE NOS ORARE !" 

When rapture thrills through ev'ry vein. 
Forgotten ev'ry grief and pain. 
And flowers blossom o'er life's way. 
Lord, teach Thy children how to pray. 

And when temptations dark ensnare 
Our souls, and fill us with despair, 
O save us ! lest from Thee we stray. 
And teach Thy children how to pray. 



Etonian dgcftoeg 4i 

And when the greatest strife is nigh, 
And we have come at last to die, — 
Be near us, Lord, in that dread day. 
And teach Thy children how to pray. 

O DEAREST LOVE! 

O DEAREST love! with radiant eyes of brown. 
And shining hair, that like a golden crown 

Rests on thy fair young head, — I feel the 
smart 

Of Cupid's arrow rankle in my heart. 
And find that love is sweeter than renown ; 

For fame is nought, if thou but smile or 

frown ! 
Then why refuse, by shyly looking down, 
One glance into my longing soul to dart? 
O dearest love! 

Thou needest not the charm of silken gown. 
By rock and rill, in city or in town, 
I find no fairer flower than thou art! 
Then say not, sweet, that we so soon must 
part. 
While tears the laughter in thy bright eyes 
drown, 

O dearest love! 



42 aeonian (lEcl)oe0 

THE PAST 

As in a dream, I saw the Past asleep. 
Not Love itself was ever half so sweet 
As that pale face; and life were not com- 
plete 

Without the tears the Past has made us weep ! 

O Present, thou art fair! Wilt thou atone 
For life's mistakes? In vain we bid thee 

stay! 
Alas ! we hear thy footsteps die away ! 

But give us back the Past, that is our own! 

The Future comes, with blessings in her train. 
Fate's fairest daughter; yet e'en to the last, 
My heart is turning fondly to the Past. 

Give back her joys and I will bear her pain! 

SWEET STRAINS OF SONG 

Sweet strains of song are wafted to mine ear. 
That soothe the anguish of my grief and fear. 
What though the path of life be dark and 

long.'^ 
Still I may hear the holy angels' song. 

And when all earthly comforts seem to fail ; 
As with the eye of faith, we pierce the veil 
O'er the unseen, so now by faith, to-day, 
We hear the angels' song, far, far away. 



aeonian OBcboes! 43 

SOME DAY 

Some day, perchance a day as fair as this, 
Thy presence, love, shall fill my soul with 

bliss. 
And eyes long dim with tears thy face shall 

see — 
Some day thy heart will turn again to me. 

As oft I watch the dawning of the day. 
The thought of thee bids sorrow flee away. 
I seem to hear a voice within repeat, 
"Perchance this is the day when we shall 
meet." 

LOVE'S ECHOES 

The voice of one who loves me called my name 

Far, far away; 
A faint, sweet echo to my spirit came. 

Bright grew the day 
Erstwhile so dark, since neither time nor space 

Could quench love's fire. 
Once more I looked upon the fairest face 

That my desire 
Could ever bring before me ; one most dear, 

For whom I yearn. 
My spirit speaks to her who seems so near, 

"I will return." 



44 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

HOPE WILL RETURN 

'TwAS in the spring we loved each other, when 
The sweetest flowers, 'neath a sky so fair. 
Gave forth their perfume, and with loving 
care, 

I gathered them for my beloved then. 

'Tis autumn now, alas ! my love seems dead. 
Yet as the birds to other climes must fly. 
Departing as the winter draweth nigh. 

But to return — so, though my hopes have fled 

With autumn's waning hours, yet again 
A future fairer than the dreamy past 
The spring may bring to comfort me at 
last. 

Sweet hopes to charm away the present pain! 

ADVENT 

O Saviour, we have waited for Thee long! 
And burdened with the ceaseless toil of life, 
We bear this thought to comfort in the 
strife. 

Thy love at last shall conquer every wrong. 

O Saviour, we have not deserved this love! 
Yet through the silent watches of the night. 
Thy saints are looking for the Advent light 

That soon shall stream upon them from above. 



aconian (gcftoeg 45 

O VIOLET EYES! 

1 
O VIOLET eyes ! 

Raised to my own in sudden, sweet surprise; 

What depths of thought are shining in your 

gaze ? 
What memories of far-off, happy days? 
And hopes of years to come — a secret pain 
Now only half-revealed — revive again ; 
Like rays of lightning through thy splendofr 

dart, 
Piercing with one swift glance my raptured 

heart. 



"CREDO, DOMINE! ADJUVA INCRED- 
ULITATEM MEAM!" 

"Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief!" 
My aching heart is filled with pain and grief; 
But when with doubt I sink into despair. 
Though weak my cry, Thy love shall hear my 
prayer. 

"Lord, I believe!" though darker grows life's 

day, 
And cherished friends, beloved, have passed 

away. 
But when I cross the narrow stream of death, 
Mine unbelief shall fade in perfect faith. 



46 aeonian (£Bc|)oe0 

THANKSGIVING HYMN 

With joyful hearts we give our thanks to 

Thee, 
Who, all through life dost deign our Guide to 

be, 
For blossoms fair that on our pathway grow, 
For all the blessings that Thou dost bestow. 

For countless mercies that we scarce recall. 
So great their number — Lord, we thank for all. 
But, sweetest theme, we sing with joyful 

praise, 
Thy everlasting love through endless days ! 

"FORSAKEN!" 

There are no skies so fair as those blue skies 
That smiled on our first love; though, wiser 

grown, 
I claim an earnest Present for my own. 

No light so brightly shines as in the eyes 
That once reflected ever-changing thought 

In heart or brain ; she was my love ! my life ! 

And if I lost her in this dark world's strife, 
Into the essence of my soul is wrought 

The thought of all that never more can be! 
No wonder that my spirit, tempest-tossed. 
Repeats, in anguish ever one word "Lost" ! 

"I am alone, forsaken on life's sea!" 



aeonian (JBcftoe^ 47 

"ADRIFT" 

My heart has drifted far away to-night 
Upon a sea of thought and fancies bright, 
And o'er the waves is shed a radiant light. 

I saw a boat that drifted with the tide, 
With no strong arm to steer it or to guide 
The fragile bark; I gazed on it and sighed. 

And watched its course upon the shining 

bay — 
And thus, methought, has drifted far away 
My heart upon the memory of a day 

That made complete this broken life of mine. 
O dearest love! be this devotion's sign, 
My heart shall drift to thee, forever thine! 



BEFORE THY ALTAR, LORD! 

Before Thy altar, Lord, 
I kneel with burdened soul at break of day. 
To Thee, whose love can wipe my tears away, 

By reverent hearts adored! 

Dear Lord, to Thee I come 
To find the peace that earth has failed to give, 
To learn of Thee, dear Saviour, how to live. 

My stricken soul seems dumb. 



48 aeonian ©c|)oe0 

My praises seem too weak, 
And yet this off'ring Thou wilt not despise ! 
The comfort that I ask with streaming eyes, 

The sacred peace I seek. 

Shall surely come to me; 
E'en though my dearest wish should be denied, 
Thy sheltering love shall with my soul abide 

Through all eternity. 

AN EASTER MESSAGE 

As earth awakens from her wint'ry sleep, 

Sweet, fragrant blossoms hail the Easter 

morn. 
And beautify the altars we adorn. 
To aching hearts that in affliction weep. 
Who find the path of life so rough and steep, 
A message on the Easter chimes is borne. 
The flowers also bear to souls forlorn. 
This holy thought that God Himself shall keep 
The spirits of the Just who pass away 
But for "a little while," since we shall see 
Our own again, if faithful to His Name 

Who, ere the dawning of the Easter Day, 
That we from sin's dark shadow might be 
free. 
For us "endured the cross, despised the shame." 



aeonian ©06000 49 



NOT WORTHY YET 

I FELT my tide of life was ebbing low; 
Death's angel hovered near me all aglow 
With regal beauty, Paradise seemed near, 
And yet my spirit shrank in deadly fear. 

And faint, sweet perfumes filled my silent room, 
And angels' songs were wafted through its 

gloom. 
Then came a voice which echoed far away : 
"Not fit to die, she still must work and pray!" 

"Not worthy yet to die!" Oh! precious boon 
Of life! the vision faded all too soon. 
Only the crucifix remained. I pressed 
The sacred symbol to my lips and breast. 



THREE THOUSAND MILES AWAY 

Three thousand miles away, 
Where I may never be. 
Fond hearts remember me. 

Though far from home I stray! 

Three thousand miles away. 
From whence I sadly came, 
Love softly breathes my name, 

Hope sends its cheering ray! 



50 aeonian (Bchot^ 

Darkness dissolves in day ; 
I am in spirit still, 
Distance o'ercome by will, 

Three thousand miles away ! 



THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS 

I 

From the first hour He felt His mother's kiss, 
Through all His earthly life, in grief or bliss. 
The Saviour counted earthly honors dross. 
And lived within "the shadow of the cross." 

In early manhood, when the hopes of youth 
Burned in His breast, He felt the bitter truth, 
His gentle mother soon must know His loss, 
And stand within "the shadow of the cross." 

An unseen sorrow crowned His sacred Head, 
As time passed on; He knew each hour dead 
Brought nearer that last conflict, pain and loss, 
And deeper grew "the shadow of the cross." 

Though feeble, may each soul an image be 
Of that divine, all-holy purity! 
And count, like Him, all earthly honors dross. 
To stand within "the shadow of the cross." 



aeonian (gcftoeg 51 

n 
When first our Saviour felt His mother's kiss, 
Through childish days, in all His pain or bliss, 
Upon His earthly life until the last, 
The Shadow of the Cross was ever cast. 
In early manhood when the hopes of youth 
Within His bosom burned, He felt the truth. 
Although His sacred spirit felt no fear, 
The Shadow of the Cross was ever near. 
An unseen sorrow crowned His sacred Head 
Through fleeting years, He felt, as moments 

fled. 
The conflict drawing nigh with pain and loss, 
As darker gloomed the Shadow of the Cross. 
At last upon the Cross, a sacrifice 
He suffered; darker grew the Eastern skies. 
The sun no longer shone upon His doom. 
The Shadow of the Cross was lost in gloom. 
His struggle o'er, the sky again was bright. 
The Cross its Shadow shed until the night; 
The soldiers pierced the Blessed Saviour's side. 
And blood with water flowed, a cleansing tide. 
Then loving hands away the body bore, 
The Cross removed, the Shadow fell no more. 
And soon the shades of sorrow fled as rays 
Of Easter light awoke the world to praise. 

Though feeble may my soul an image be 
Of Christ the Lord in faith and purity. 



52 aeonian aEcj)oe0 

Like Him I see, through earthly toil and strife, 
The Shadow of the Cross upon my life. 
I feel His Presence Who the Cross hath borne. 
Who comes e'en now to comfort souls forlorn. 
But though I see that Shadow on my way, 
I look beyond the gloom to Easter Day. 

in 

With outstretched arms the Christ-Child stands, 
so fair. 
Beholds, upon the floor a shadow drear 
His form hath cast, a Cross forever near. 

Yet plays, and seems to feel no grief or care. 

No sadder than all other children. He 

Whose tender feet so soon must tread the 

path 
Of sorrow to avert the Father's wrath. 

Like other babes He smiles in childish glee. 

But still the shadow lies upon His way 
Whose sinless beauty brighter grows each day. 

A LENTEN PETITION 

Not with my body. Lord, alone, I pray 
That I may fast this Lent, but day by day 
My heart may be more touched by "things 

above," 
My restless spirit chastened by Thy love. 



geonian (gcftoeg 53 

PYGMALION AND GALATEA 

Pygmalion stood and gazed in earnest thought 
Upon the work his skillful hand had wrought. 
It was the statue of a woman fair, 
Which he had carved for months with loving 

care, 
Until no fault his practiced eye could trace. 
The classic outlines of the Grecian face 
And graceful figure, made the statue seem 
Too perfect to be real, like a dream. 
The sculptor sighed, "What treasure I would 

give. 
If even for an hour she could live! 
O Gods above! list to a mortal's plea. 
This statue make a living woman be !" 

"Pygmalion," sweet as balmy breezes blow. 
His name is breathed in accents clear and low. 
"Pygmalion," what a vision met his sight! 
The statue came to life ! In robes of white, 
A graceful form now glided to his side; 
A woman, in the early flush and pride 
Of youth and beauty, innocent and sweet, 
She raised her eyes his eager gaze to meet. 
"Pygmalion," as again his name she spoke, 
A new emotion in his heart awoke. 
"My love!" he cried, and caught her to his 

breast, 
And burning kisses on her lips impressed. 



£4 aeonian (gcftoeg 

O PROMISED DAYS! 

O PROMISED days ! O days that are to come ! 

What happiness or sorrow will ye bring? 

What joy to make the heart awake and sing, 
Or grief and pain to strike the spirit dumb! 

promised days ! my soul shall stronger grow 
To bear thy conflicts ; even now I hear 
The song of triumph rising sweet and clear, 

Methinks an echo of the long ago. 

promised days ! the sweetness of the Past 
Is with me still ; although the Present fade, 
New conflicts in my spirit shall be made. 

Through coming years, still struggling to the 
last ! 

HIS HOLY NAME 

Upon my infant brow was traced a sign 
Of sacred meaning; through that cross divine 
I strive and triumph in His Holy Name, 
Who for our sake endured cross and shame. 

Through all the change and chance of this brief 
life, 

1 bear a thought to strengthen in the strife; 

And this shall be my fainting spirit's stay — 
'Tis in His Holy Name I work and pray. 



aeonian (Ecl)oe0 55 

RING! RING! A GLADSOME PEAL! 

Ring! ring! a gladsome peal, sweet Easter 

bells! 
What joyful triumph in your music swells! 
Fair blossoms, lift your faces to the skies, 
Our Lord is risen, that we too may rise! 

Sing! Sing! let all with heart and lip rejoice! 
Glad anthems shall resound till earth's clear 

voice 
Is wafted upward to the ransomed throng, 
In rapture blending with the angels' song! 



THE VIOLET 

I WANDERED where the lilies fair 
With sweetest perfume filled the air; 
Bright roses glowed in varied hue, 
The tulip's gorgeous colors grew, 
Forget-me-not and mignonette, 
And smiled to see the violet. 

Their fragance steals into my brain 
With mem'ries sweet, yet touched by pain; 
And blossoms gathered as a child 
Methought were sweetest, growing wild. 
Those days are dead, their sun has set, 
But still I cling to Violet. 



56 aeonian (2cJ)oe0 

"MY KING!" 

Bright and blue are the skies above; 
He is coming — my life ! my love ! 

My King! 
Birds are singing their sweetest song; 
Breezes whisper, " 'Twill not be long." 
Over the hills at break of day 
Rides from a city far away 

My King! 

He is bonnie and tall and fair, 
Gleams of gold in his sunny hair. 

My King! 
Laughing eyes of the deepest blue. 
Eyes that a noble soul shines through. 
Low in the dust my heart shall lie 
Ere love for him shall ever die! 

My King! 

"MY THOUGHTS FLY BACK TO THEE !" 

Oh, fair the skies above! 

The gate of Memory 
Is opened by my love, 

"My thoughts fly back to thee !" 
The Past, a garden sweet, 

I see beyond that gate. 
Though we may never meet. 

My soul for thee shall wait! 



geonian (gcftoeg 57 

The northwest wind so strong, 

On sweetest breath doth bear 
The cadence of a song, 

The scent of spices rare. 
Once more within the Past 

Through fragrant Memory 
Our lives shall meet at last, 

"My thoughts fly back to thee !" 

"LOOKING IN VAIN!" 

Looking in vain I seek for that fair face 

Of which my longing eyes have lost all trace. 

Perchance it dawned upon me in a dream 

Of bliss which cast across my life a beam 

Of light, and Fancy conquered Time and 

Space. 

My dearest love, in clouds of creamy lace. 
In thought I view, and mark each girlish grace ! 
I am no longer as her dark eyes gleam, 
Looking in vain ! 

My fainting heart can find no resting place; 

To comfort Love doth Memory encase 

A gem, the thought of her! and still I deem 
Her waiting for me by the woodland stream. 

To wistful eyes, how weary grows life's race, 
Looking in vain! 



58 aeonian (Bchot^ 

"BY THE SEA" 

Upon the sea there gleams a path of light, 
The glory of the moonbeams shming bright. 
The distant vessels seem with sails so white 
Like birds with wings outspread to take their 
flight. 

The lamps within the lighthouse brightly 

glow, 
Their radiance flashing on the deep below. 
A tale, perchance, of shipwreck and of woe, 
The waves are sobbing as the waters flow. 



THE BLIND MAN 

The sunrise dyes the hills 

In tints of gold and red. 
Amid the rocks and rills 

He wanders with bowed head. 
Alas ! the light he ne'er can see ! 
And hopeless seems his misery. 

But she whose heart e'er true 

Through darkness and through light. 
As though his thoughts she knew, 

Draws near in beauty bright. 
No longer hopeless seems his life. 
As in his arms he clasps his wife. 



aeonian (Ccf)oe0 59 

"NOT FAR AWAY!" 

Not far away a goodly land abides, 

Of perfect peace; 
A shining shore beyond life's troubled tides 

Where sorrows cease. 

Not far away the cross whose cruel thorns 

I scarce can bear, 
Shall change; a crown of light each brow 
adorns. 

Oh, land most fair! 

To thee our longing hearts forever turn. 

Each dying day; 
By faith I see the home for which I yearn. 

Not far away! 



A FAREWELL 

Thou canst not feel, O noble heart, 
How hard it was from thee to part! 
Though far from me thy feet must stray. 
My thoughts shall follow day by day. 

Nor deem me cold! my bitter tears 
Are shed for thee, my hopes and fears 
Cluster about thy memory. 
The dearest gift of God to me! 



60 aeonian (Ccftoe^ 

SELF-CONSECRATION 

When from Thy altar I have turned away 
To earthly toil, its restless strife and sin, 
O teach me, Lord, some victory to win ! 

And hallow Thou each moment of the day. 

Begun with Thee, a secret, holy peace 
Shall calm the restless tumult of my heart. 
Oh, let me from Thy Presence ne'er depart! 

Each day my love for Thee, dear Lord, in- 
crease. 

(Set to music by the Rev. Scott Kidder, D.D.) 



LOVE'S MIRRORS 

I 

The wind is sighing a name — her name! 

I hear its sweetness in ev'ry song. 

My love for her is so sweet and strong. 
Dearer to me than my hopes of fame. 

n 

The radiant light of her dark blue eyes 
Which snare my heart with their mystic 

spell, 
I know the secrets their depths can tell, 

And love reflects it in earth and skies. 



3eonian (2cftoe0 ei 



LOVE'S MESSAGE 

You called me, sweet! far, far away! 
You said you loved me, and I heard 
The thoughts that in your spirit stirred, 

And new-born glory filled the day! 

You called me, and upon the wind 

Was borne the perfume of your love. 
And brighter grew the skies above! 

Heart answered heart, and mind touched 
mind! 



ALL SAINTS' DAY 

Our tears, our prayers, our thoughts, are with 
them still. 
Those saints who passed before us, and ere 

long 
Our voices, too, shall blend with that grand 
song 
Whose echoes even now our spirits thrill. 

How sweet the memory of the days gone by! 

Before the altar now, in love we meet; 

Ye are not dead, whose lives with fragrance 
sweet 
Have taught us how to live, and how to die. 



62 aeonian (Ecf)oe0 

A SONG OF FAITH 

When Spring's sweet blushing beauty greets 
mine eyes, 

To God I lift my heart in thankful praise ; 
When Summer's glory shines in earth and skies, 

To Thee I turn, "Creator of my days!" 

And when the Autumn strikes my waiting heart 
With grim forebodings of a future death. 

The thought of Thee makes trembling fear de- 
part, 
And powerless is e'en the Winter's breath, 

Whose icy touch recalls the last great change, 
To shake the faith of those who turn to Thee. 

From Thy dear love may naught our souls 
estrange, 
Till time shall fade into eternity. 

THE GREATNESS OF LITTLE THINGS 

The conquests over self that mortal eyes 
May either not perceive or else despise — 
The smile, the gentle word, the kindly deed. 
The ready help and sympathy in need. 
We scarce can know how great these things 

may be ; 
But naught is small that leads, O Christ, to 

Thee! 



aeonian (Btbot^ 63 

RENUNCIATION 

Should any idol dim my love for Thee, 
Oh, take it from this heart and set me free! 
Too often I am blinded by my pride, 
Yet let me love Thee more than all beside. 

In thought I view my Saviour on the tree. 
And angels whisper, Thou hast died for me! 
Oh, though the cross my stubborn heart should 

break, 
I yield Thee all in love for Thy dear sake! 

"VIA CRUCIS, VIA LUCIS !" 

The path is sacred since Thy bleeding feet 
Have left their footprints here; so, day by 

day, 
Dear Saviour, guide us on the narrow wayf 

Though rough and thorny, it is strangely sweet 

To follow Thee ! Oh, make our lives complete 
With perfectness of love, nor let us stray 
Far from Thy fold! In loving accents say. 

Looking with pity from Thy mercy-seat: 

"Come unto me, and I will give thee rest !" 
When footsteps falter and the flesh is weak. 

Thy voice shall rouse the sinner from despair. 

The way, no longer lonely, shall be blest; 

For not in vain Thy peace our spirits seek; 

Thine ears are open to Thy children's prayer! 



64 aeonian (2cf)oe0 

A CHRISTMAS HYMN 

Dear Lord, we bring with loving hearts to-day 
Not only gifts, as wise men did of old, 
But what thy love will value more than gold; 

Lo ! now before Thy altar fair we lay 

Our hearts, our lives ! O Prince of peace and 
love! 
At this, Thy sacred feast, we gladly raise 
Our voices in sweet hymns of joyful praise. 

Our souls responding to the songs above. 



SAVIOUR BLESS THIS MARRIAGE 

Saviour bless this marriage, 

Holy be the tie 
Thou dost sanction, shedding 

Blessings from on high. 

Now the rite is over. 

Sacred be the seal 
God and man have witnessed. 

May each spirit feel 
Strong to fight life's battle. 

Waging war with sin; 
Through the Lord Jehovah 

Stronger yet to win. 



aeonian OBcftoe^ 65 

Low before Thine altar, 

At Thy sacred feast, 
We have asked Thy blessing; 

O Thou great High Priest ! 
Feeble our petitions. 

Yet through faith they rise; 
What our weakness lacketh 

Love divine supplies. 

May Thy sacred Presence 

Living in each heart. 
Through life's pain and pleasure, 

Nevermore depart. 
On two souls united 

May Thy holy love 
Shine as ever, guiding 

To Thy home above. 

MOUNT TACOMA 

Thou sentinel of ages long gone by ! 

Thy kingly crest uplifted to the sky 

Looks down in majesty on man below. 

How awful when thy shining fields of snow 

Were melted by the flames whose lurid light 

Lit up the fearful terrors of a night! 

Man trembled at thy wrath ! the daylight came. 

Yet from thy crater issued still the flame ! 

At last once more, man ceased a watch to keep : 

The monarch of the forest fell asleep. 



66 Etonian OBcftoetf 

"PARTED" 

Two lovers wandered on an autumn day, 
But what to them the dying of the year? 
Their love so strong could feel no trace of 
fear, 
Or so they thought; but dreams must fade 
away! 

Oh ! better never to have met ! In vain 
If loss must be the price of love ! alas ! 
Too quickly must life's brighter hours pass, 

And naught is left to them but bitter pain. 

Though they may conquer in the world's rough 
strife. 
Fresh hopes arise! Methinks, within each 

breast 
Will throb a longing and a strange unrest 
For that sweet love which faded from each life. 

O STAR OF BETHLEHEM! 

Shine brightly into sinful hearts, to-day, 
That shades of deepest gloom may steal away. 
Compared with thee, all earthly lights are dim! 
In spirit we would follow thee to Him 
Who, for our sake, was born a little child, 
The Virgin's offspring, pure and undefiled, 
O Star of Bethlehem ! 



Etonian ggcftoeg 67 

Hearts waited long for thee and nations passed, 
Still looking for thee, into dust; at last 
Thy glory dawned! Both Jew and Gentile 

saw, 
Fulfilled in love, the promise of the Law. 
Through clouds and darkness ever shining 

bright 
Adown the centuries, we see thy light, 
O Star of Bethlehem ! 

THE FUTURE 

My spirit turns to thee as time fleets fast. 
Oh give me back the glamour of my youth. 
Sweet dreams of love and searchings after 

truth ! 
Though now I bend beneath Fate's icy blast. 

These hopes still unfulfilled, my wounded pride, 
If this be all of life, then let me die ! 
But no, thou wilt not calmly pass me by. 
Leaving my longing soul unsatisfied. 

Then come ! Though pain should still my por- 
tion be. 
Some few fair buds shall blossom on my way. 
New strength revive my spirit day by day, 
And higher, nobler life be found in thee. 



68 aeonian (Bcbot$ 

LOVE'S ENCHANTED GARDEN 

Into a garden fair my feet have strayed; 
A fountain's gurgling laughter in the shade, 
And blossoms peeping from the dewy grass, 
All watch and welcome me as on I pass. 

Oh! have you heard the flowers sweetly sing? 
Throughout this garden fair their voices 

ring — 
Now soft and low, then clearer, stronger still, 
And echoes come from every rock and rill. 

But sweeter far the voice of one I love. 
With whom, of old, I oft was wont to rove. 
The smiling skies our presence seem to greet. 
As once again our hearts in rapture meet. 

Enchanted garden ! as I linger here, 
'Tis memory alone that makes thee dear. 
In vain, with tears, I call on Time to stay; 
E'en as I gaze, the vision fades away ! 



"JESUS LIVES!" 

He lives, triumphant over sin and pain. 
The Paschal Lamb Who for our sake was slain I 
O death ! O grave ! thy sting, thy victory 
Are over, since He lives to set us free! 



aeonian OBcftoe^ 69 

LOVE'S ANGUISH 

If love were unrequited, no return 

Of my affection, sweet, thy spirit gave, 
I think I could be strong and proud and 
brave. 

But now, alas ! within our spirits burn 

The love and anguish of our lives apart. 
But one request my broken heart shall 

make — 
The dream is o'er, yet, for the past's sweet 
sake — 
One thought of me still bear within thine heart ! 



THE DAILY EVENSONG 

When we are weary of the restless strife 
Of flesh and spirit, in this toilsome life. 
How sweet, dear Saviour, at the close of day 
With Thy beloved, in Thy courts to pray! 

Though few may gather there, Thy tender love 
Sheds light and benediction from above. 
Nor need we fear the night, since Thou hast 

blessed 
The day; Thy love shall guard Thy children's 

rest. 



70 3eonjan OBcftoe^ 

LOVE REVIVED 

Though faint and weak, sweet love revives 
again ; 
Once more we see his unforgotten face. 
Through chastened grief its loveliness we 
trace, 
Through years of longing, weariness and pain. 

Nor may we weep : his beauty rare shall deign 
Our grief to banish with his old time grace. 

Though faint and weak, sweet love revives 
again. 
Once more we see his unforgotten face. 

On his white robe we see a crimson stain ; 
His fair wings bleed from Time's too rough 

embrace. 
Gently he floats for us through azure space; 
Though faint and weak, sweet love revives 
again ; 
Once more we see his unforgotten face. 

"FASTING" 

*Tis sweet, dear Lord, Thy mandate to obey. 
And though the flesh rebel and shrink from 

pain. 
The sacrifice to Thee is not in vain, 

If but a step along the narrow way 



aeonian (Ecftoeg 71 

Our weary feet may take. Thy tender love 
Shall guide our spirits through this holy Lent ; 
In Thy sweet service, Lord, the days are spent 
Which bring us nearer to our home above. 



RING OUT, YE MERRY CHRISTMAS 
BELLS 

A CAROL 

Ring out, ye merry Christmas bells, 

Proclaim to all the earth 
The tale of love your music tells, 

The Holy Saviour's birth. 

Chorus. 
The Virgin's Son is Christ the Lord, 

He comes on earth to dwell. 
With joy proclaim His Holy Name: 

Emmanuel! Emmanuel! 

Messiah born to set us free, 
To Thee our hearts we raise. 

With joyful songs of victory 
Thy Holy Name we praise. 

O Saviour born for us to-day, 

A humble offering. 
The tribute of our love we pay 

To Thee our Saviour King. 



72 aeonian ggcftoeg 

THE LIVING PAST 

The past can never die, it lives within 

The heart that loves too fondly and too well, 
And o'er the present casts its mystic spell. 
Is it a past of wasted years of sin? 
Then through the strife of earth, its ceaseless 
din. 
We hear the ringing of a passing bell, 
That seems to aching hearts a solemn knell 
Of youthful hopes ! O Christ, Who died to 
win 
The sinner from the anguish of despair! 
Who wouldest not that he should die, we 
pray. 
As earthly pleasures fade, too frail to last, 
Still guide and guard our lives with lov- 
ing care; 
Through all our anguish strengthen us to- 
day. 
Who bear within our hearts the deathless past. 



"ONE STEP ENOUGH FOR ME!" 

Take us. Thy children cry, O Lord, to-day! 

If but a step along the narrow path. 

"In mercy. Lord, rebuke us, not in wrath!" 
Who art Thyself forevermore the Way. 



aeonian (lEcj)oe0 73 

AN EASTER CAROL 

Blossoms tell the story of His love, — 
How the Saviour left His home above! 
How He died for us, and rose again, 
Victor over every grief and pain! 

Chimes ring out, and tell the same sweet tale! 

Echo far away o'er stream and vale ! 

Jesus lives ! upon His Holy Day, 

Hail the King, triumphant on His way! 

LOVE AND DEATH 

Sharp are the wounds of death when from the 
heart 
He tears our dearest treasures, and the 

grave 
Claims those we would have given life to save. 
Had fate so willed it, rather than to part. 

But sharper far the wounds of love, the pain. 
The bliss, that mingle with a wild unrest, 
Forever throbbing in the human breast, 

Seeking an Eden here on earth in vain. 

O Love ! O Death ! your triumph is not long ; 
And from your laurels leaves are falling fast. 
Since there is one your conqueror at last. 

For Time, "the healer," is your victor strong. 



74 aeonian (JEcftoe^ 

DREAMING 

Dark my life and lonely, ere thy spirit-face 
Shone into its sadness, with a tender grace. 
Out of earthly sorrow came my dearest love, 
Yet methought an angel left a home above. 

Even now, though parted by a cruel fate. 
Strengthened by a vision of my love I wait. 
Life would lose its sadness, earth an Eden be, 
If forever, darling, I might live with thee! 



"UNWORTHY" 

Though all unworthy of thy love I feel, 
I have not lived in vain, since thou art mine. 
How sweet the theft, thy fresh young heart to 

steal, 
Forevermore my soul to blend with thine, 
And other hopes for this thy love resign. 
Then hear me, dearest, as I gladly kneel. 
Though all unworthy of thy love I feel, 
I have not lived in vain, since thou art mine. 
Love's anguish on our spirits set a seal; 
Self faded till the human seemed divine. 
Since hopes revived within our spirits shine. 
For every pain there is a balm to heal. 
Though all unworthy of thy love I feel, 
I have not lived in vain, since thou art mine. 



aeonian aEcJ)oe0 75 

"THE QUEEN OF HEARTS" 

Now through the "mazes of the dance" are seen 
The graceful forms of women, fair and 

young. 
Of sweeter faces poets never sung. 

Most beautiful of all my fond heart's queen. 

Her lovely face aglow, her lips apart, 

She glides through graceful curves of fairy 

dance ; 
And I am thankful for a single glance. 

Trip lightly, thou art "treading on my heart." 

THANKSGIVING 

Dear Lord, my thankful heart would sing 

A hymn of praise 
For all the good that life doth bring, 

For happy days. 

For friendships sweet, for deeds of love, 

That make life dear. 
For all that lifts the heart above 

Its burden here. 

I thank Thee, Lord, through pain and loss, 

For sins forgiven. 
And, as I bow beneath the Cross, 

For hopes of heaven. 



76 aeonian dBthot^ 

EASTER VICTORY 

Easter flowers blooming on our way 

Breathe their sweetest fragrance, lilies white 
Mingle with the roses' colors bright, 

Birds sing out a joyful Easter lay. 

Lo, a gladsome peal the church-bells ring! 
Earth and sky in adoration meet. 
Lay their tribute at the Saviour's feet, 

Crown Him Lord of all, Redeemer — King! 

THE COQUETTE 

Is she thinking of the hearts that she has 
broken. 
As she stands with downcast eyes? 
Of the words of vain regret that love has 
spoken. 
As she lifts her head and sighs? 
Of the present or the future is she dreaming? 

Oft I wonder does she know. 
Time will dim the fire in her dark eyes gleam- 
ing? 
In her spotless robe of snow. 
She is so entrancing, blue the skies above her, 

And we are not far apart. 
Yet I dare not, must not, think that I could 
love her; 
If she only had a heart. 



aeonian dBchot^ 77 

EASTER TRIUMPH! 

O MOURNER, weep no more! This happy day 
The King of Glory passes on His way. 
Who is the King of Glory? H^e who died, 
Yet lives again ; the Lamb, once crucified. 

O ye who toil, whose lives are filled with care, 
Look up this happy morn, so bright and fair. 
Till self is lost in Love ! Low at His feet, 
With joyful hearts our Saviour King we greet. 

COME, COME TO ME, MY DARLING! 

Come, come to me, my darling ! Adown the dy- 
ing years 

The fragrance of thy love, sweet, our fare- 
well and thy tears 

Are borne to me, and time and fate I dare once 
more defy. 

The mem'ry of the face I love will haunt me 
till I die! 

Come, come to me, my darling ! Alas ! I learn 

too late. 
We measure time by love, not years ; yet 'tis a 

cruel fate 
To bear within my bosom a never-ceasing pain. 
Oh! Earth will be an Eden, if here we meet 

again ! 



78 aeonian (Ec!)oe0 

"WE NEVER MEET!" 

We never meet, and yet how fair 

The sunshine since I know 
It glitters on her golden hair 

And on her brow of snow. 
My love! rejected, scorned, alone 

I bear thee in my heart, 
By right of suffering, my own, 

Although we dwell apart. 
And fancy paints in tints so clear 

The past, that life is sweet, 
Because I feel thy presence near. 

Although we never meet! 

"JESUS, LOOK WITH PITYING EYE!" 

When the sinner, crushed by fear. 
Shrinks from sorrow, be Thou near; 
When of all we love, bereft. 
Scarce an earthly hope seems left. 
Thou Who on the cross didst die, 
"Jesus, look with pitying eye!" 

On the sheep that from Thee stray, 
On the hearts that never pray. 
On the faults for which we grieve. 
On the pain Thou canst relieve. 
Thou Who on the cross didst die, 
"Jesus, look with pitying eye !" 



aeonian (Btbot^ 79 

Thou hast suffered, Thou dost know 
All the depth of human woe ; 
Victor over sin and death, 
Grant to us a firmer faith ! 
Thou Who on the cross didst die, 
"Jesus, look with pitying eye!" 

THE FLOWER'S LESSON 

A mother's heart was crushed by grief ; 

Her only son had passed 
Into a higher life ; relief 

She sought, as tears fell fast, 

In watching Marguerite, who played, 

Too young to understand 
Her mother's woe — a tiny maid 

Who clasped within her hand 

A bunch of flowers ; suddenly 

She held them up and smiled, 
"I hold them up for him to see ! 

Dear Brother!" said the child. 

A lesson thou hast taught despair, 

Our darling Marguerite ! 
As fragrant as the flowers fair. 

Thy childish faith so sweet. 



80 aeonian dEcftoes; 

LIFE AND DEATH 

Fair is the day in early spring, 

Bright are the blossoms at my feet; 

Life thrills my heart with longings sweet — 

All nature seems to wake and sing. 

Oh! what can harm the young and brave? 

Why do I shiver as the day 

In all its beauty fades away? 
"Someone is walking o'er my grave." 

"NOT WASTED!" 

They said his life was wasted, since no fame 
His labors won. His intellect was great; 
Yet, was it some stern mockery of Fate 
That gave no glory save an unstained name, 
A life well spent? To rescue from their shame 
The sinful, his the task — to watch and wait. 
To raise the fallen from their low estate. 
But yet, a higher blessing he could claim 

Than many who had prospered. Not 
alone 
He toiled, for angels ever hovered near 
To guide his steps and save him from despair. 
As earthly comforts failed, though little 
known 
To any but the poor, not wasted here 
The love that made his life a living prayer ! 



Etonian dBcftoeg si 



"THINE EYES!" 

Thine eyes meet mine: what need of words to 

tell 
Their language, sweet? Though woman's 

shrinking pride 
With trembling fear, in vain my thoughts 

would hide, 
Since Cupid holds our spirits in his spell, 
New hopes, new fears within their beauties 

shine ! 

Thine eyes meet mine! 



RETROSPECT 

Shall I remember, in that other sphere. 

When sin and sorrow shall have passed away, 
How hard I found the cross I bear to-day? 

When pain shall be no more, and every tear 

Is wiped away, shall I remember? Here 

I toiled and suffered — scarce a cheering ray 
To guide me on, and be my spirit's stay. 

Upon that past, so fraught with hope and fear, 
Shall I look back, and, looking, feel regret 

For life's mistakes, the sins of youth and age. 

And sins of others that once made me sad? 

Ah, yes! methinks that I shall not forget; 

But, looking backward on life's varied page. 
Feeling the conflict over, shall be glad. 



82 aeonian dBcftoe^ 

TELEPATHY 

Remember, love, when I am far away. 
And you no longer look upon my face, 
Through lonely paths my feet their steps 
must trace. 

My spirit shall be with you day by day. 

Remember for the sake of that sweet past 
Whose sacred secrets only you and I 
Can ever know. Love's presence ever nigh 

Shall fondly guide and guard you to the last. 



WE PRAY THEE, LORD, FOR REST 

We pray Thee, Lord, for rest, 
Rest for the weary brain, 
Now night has come again. 
We toiled for Thee all day; 
Oh, hear us as we pray. 
Let naught our peace molest! 

We pray Thee, Lord, for rest. 
And, prostrate at Thy feet. 
We ask Thy pardon sweet. 
When earthly life is o'er, 
Grant us forevermore 
Thy peace among the blest. 



aeonian (lEcboeg 83 

THE ANGEL OF HOPE 

From out of fragrant ashes of the past 
A graceful figure rose, as fair as life, 
More beautiful than death, when after strife 

In early youth, the spirit rests at last. 

A new-born glory dawned upon the night, 
Her radiant eyes were gazing far away 
Beyond earth's toil and sin, to cloudless day. 

And still her face reflects that wondrous light. 

AZURE EYES 

AZURE eyes ! that, shrinking from my gaze. 
Are turned aside, be merciful to me. 

If shining through the clouds your light I 
see, 

1 care not for the cold world's blame or praise ; 
My fainting heart is warmed by Love's bright 

rays. 

Hope whispers of the bliss which is to be; 

O mirrors of the soul ! your memory 
When I am absent glorifies my days. 

And now 'tis night ! the sea moans on the bar 
As if to weep for those it shall destroy ; 

And as the beacon-light which guides afar 
To home and rest the storm-tossed sailor boy. 

With rapture sees, so I behold each star, 
O azure eyes! reflected by your joy! 



84 aeonian (Btbot!Si 

"FORGET ME NOT" 

Sweetheart, forget me not! 
In mem'ry keep for me one fragrant spot. 
All Nature now reflects thy beauty rare — 
'Tis love that makes the world so wondrous fair. 

Sweetheart, forget me not ! 
Though far from thee is cast my lonely lot. 
'Tis love that makes me falter, pity, sweet! 
My heart's devotion blossoms at thy feet. 

TO MY VALENTINE 

The love I dare not whisper in thine ear 
I venture now to tell ; the hope and fear 
That makes my life so restless, now to thee 
I send, sweetheart ; be merciful to me. 

TO JESUS CHRIST WE SING! 

To Jesus Christ we sing! 
The nations lay their tribute at His feet, 
Upon His natal-day we gladly greet 

Our Saviour King. 

"To us a Child is born, 
To us a Son is given !" Earth prolong 
And echo back again the angels' song, 

This Christmas mom! 



aeonian (lBci)oe0 85 

LONGING 

How cold the world without thee ! how poor its 
blame or praise ! 

For thee my heart is seeking, through spring- 
time's sunny days. 

No other heart's devotion can half such treas- 
ure give 

As mine for thee, my darling; for thee alone 
Hive! 

THE PROMISE OF SPRING 

The Spring's sweet promise wakes a "world of 
pain" 
To new-born vigor ! Winter's hoary head 
Is shorn of all its glory ; and the dead 
Blossoms revive to greet their queen again ; 
And, as a patient feels through every vein 

New life from some strong draught, and 

from his bed 
Struggles to rise, so now that Winter's dread 
Power is shattered; Nature, who has lain 

Bound like the old Prometheus, now is free, 
Her fetters broken by Spring's gentle sway 
O'er land and sea. Then shall the soul be 
dumb ? 
Nor raise a song of love and liberty.'' 
O Nature, teach thy child a heartfelt lay ! 
Since light into her darkened life has come ! 



86 aeonian Ccftoe^ 

TO A FLOWER 

Sweet bud, pressed by this note to-day, 

Go to my love! 
To her my thoughts forever stray, 

Sadly I rove ! 
Tell stories of thy fragrance sweet. 

How buried deep 
In earth, at last the sun to greet. 

Thou, from thy sleep 
Didst rise : so love my heart within. 

Waking at last, 
Bright sunshine of her smile to win 

Shall blossom fast. 



LOVE'S REJECTION 

One night when deep within my restless heart 
Ambition stirred, I dreamed of wealth and 

fame; 
When to my humble door. Love, knocking, 
came, 
"I have no time for thee," I cried, "depart" ! 

In vain the fair boy pleaded that the night 
Was dark and stormy; rudely from my door 
I turned him. "I will come back never- 
more !" 

He cried, his beauty fading from my sight. 



aeonian (2cl)oe0 87 

E'en night grew darker, and a sudden chill 
Came o'er me. Love had left me sad, alone! 
Ambition, thou hast robbed me of my own ! 

Nor fame nor wealth, my longing heart can 
fill! 

MARPLOT DICK 

I LOVED a woman who was fair and sweet; 
I thought that she would make my life complete. 
And yet I found no word of love to say. 
Because no matter where we chanced to stray, 
Her brother Dick, a small, fun-loving boy, 
Pursued our steps with almost fiendish joy. 

All my loose change was spent on him in vain, 

Until I felt him of my life the bane. 

No sense of honor this young rascal knew ! 

I bribed him with pop-corn and candy, too. 

Until at last Fate seemed to smile on me, 

I told my love and thought none heard but she. 

And growing bolder as the words I said, 
I stooped to kiss her lips so rosy red. 
A mocking laugh rang out upon the air. 
And in a tree near by, perched snugly there. 
That small boy Dick was grinning at our bliss ! 
I turned and fled, nor yet have had that kiss ! 



88 geonian dgcftoeg 

IN DREAMS 

Although you only come to me in dreams, 
More real than my life your presence seems. 
In vain I tell my heart that far away 
You live. Love whispers to me day by day 
That time and space would separate in vain 
The lives that Fate hath willed to meet again. 

"ONLY A VOICE !" 

Only her voice remains, in love's last plea. 
Before she vanished; sweet its melody! 

Wealth, fame and friendship floated with the 
tide 

Of youthful hopes. Alone in wounded pride 
I think of all my life can never be. 

Time chafes my fettered spirit, never free 
From vain regrets ; no one so fair as she ! 
Of all love's rapture, ere my darling died. 
Only her voice remains ! 

It could not die; it lives in memory; 
And though my weary eyes no future see 

Of cherished hopes, fulfilled with that fair 

bride, 
A strain of music sweet my soul shall guide; 
A hand, through shadows, ever beckons me — 
Only her voice remains ! 



aeonian (Bchot$ 89 

PERCHANCE 

Perchance you loved me in another life; 

If so, 'tis strange you do not love me now. 
That bliss is o'er ! but through the inward 
strife 
Of spirit, oft I wonder, dearest, how 
And where we met. Perchance, in some new 
sphere 
My heart will find what it has longed for 
here. 

LOVE'S APPEAL 

Speak to me, sweet! if only one short word. 
Since love within my heart thy tones have 

stirred. 
Low, tender accents of thy silv'ry voice 
Shall make this throbbing heart once more re- 
joice. 

Speak to me, sweet ! if Psyche turned away 
At first from Cupid, yet she bade him stay, 
Till, yielding to the charm of Love's clear tone. 
Her heart awoke ; she lived for him alone. 

As through the shadows drear I see thee come, 
Speak to me, sweet ! nor let thy soul be dumb ; 
Or if thou wilt not speak, my heart shall hear 
A wordless song responding, low and clear. 



90 3eonian Ccf)oe0 

A SACRIFICE 

In vain the world would draw my heart from 
Thee, 
My Saviour, even at Thy Sacred Feast. 
To Thee I turn for comfort, great High 
Priest. 
Oh, let me never from Thy Presence flee! 

Perfect my weakness through Thy holy Love 
As years pass on. Methinks 'tis strangely 

sweet 
To lay earth's pomp and glory at Thy Feet, 

And find a foretaste of a life above. 

"SATIABOR, CUM APPARUERIT TUA 
GLORIA" 

" I shall be satisfied, when I awake with Thy like- 
ness." Ps. xvii, 15. 

My lonely heart was filled with restless pain. 
And thoughts of days that ne'er might come 

again ; 
But, shrinking from the Cross, I turned to see 
What comfort earthly things could give to me. 

I turned to music, softly saying: "Thou, 
The friend of years, wilt not desert me now!" 
The last notes died away — alas for pride! 
My aching heart was still unsatisfied. 



3eonian (Bthot^ 91 

I took my pencil; forms of fancy bright 
My eager fingers traced ; alas ! a blight 
Seemed resting on the art I deemed so fair; 
Its very beauty only proved a snare. 

I turned to friendship, thinking: "Now in this 
My bleeding heart at length shall find its bliss !" 
Then found that Death, relentless, lingered 

near 
To tear from clinging arms my friend so dear. 

Discouraged, worn with grief, I turned to Love. 
"Though human, 'tis reflected from above!" 
Methought, and e'en the human seemed divine. 
It passed, and left my spirit to repine. 

And then, at last, upon my darkened way 
There shone a glory brighter than the day. 
And hope once more within my spirit stirred 
As, through the night, my Saviour's voice I 
heard ! 

CONSTANCY 

In vain you turn aside from me, dear; 

In vain you grieve me day by day. 
Some happiness for both will be, dear, 

I love you and will love alway. 



92 aeonian (gcftoeg 

LOVE'S TRIUMPH 

Nor time nor distance rob me of my own; 
Oh, tell me, love, you never can forget 
Our mournful parting tinged with sad regret, 

Though now we wander far apart, alone ! 

Then perish doubt; and fear shall fade away. 
Our clinging spirits feel a mutual love 
Unchanging, though the skies should frown 
above, 

And earth itself should crumble to decay. 



LOVE CAME TO ME! 

Love came to me a guest. 
Where Grief was wont to rest. 
I knew him not and turned away, 
But brighter grew the summer day. 

Love spoke ; his voice I knew, 
His words were tender, true ; 
Yet what he said I ne'er shall tell. 
But live enchanted by his spell. 

Love came a welcome guest. 
Where Grief was wont to rest. 
No more I feel my load of care. 
But all the world is wondrous fair! 



aeonfan (!BcJ)oe0 93 

THE ANGELS' SONG 

Our ears are dulled by earthly pain, 
Our hearts are filled with care. 

We scarce can hear that sweet refrain 
Vibrating through the air. 

Oh! is the angels' song, alone, 

For those before the great white throne.'^ 

Ah no, that harmony so sweet 

Is meant for you and me ! 
Although we toil with bleeding feet 

Our longing eyes shall see 
Celestial glory, we shall hear 
On earth the angels' song so clear. 

LOVING AND GIVING 

"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, 
It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts xx, 35. 

'Tis Love's sweet impulse evermore to give 
Not gold alone, and though the gift be small 
Love purifies it, giving unto all 

Divinest gifts. O Love, by thee all live ! 

A flower to the sick, a gentle word, 

A smile and e'en a look, how blest can be 
These gifts of Love in deep humility. 

Till Faith and Hope within the heart are 
stirred. 



94 aeonian dBcftoeg 

So may we give ; "not grudging," of our store ; 
But learn a lesson from the widow's mite, 
Whose sacrifice was precious in His sight. 

Our Lord, Who gives His people more and 
more. 

THE MIRAGE OF ETERNAL YOUTH 

Thou vision of a never-dying youth. 
Deluding me through passing years of pain, 
Back to the past I bid thee speed again. 
Nor mock me with thy shadow of the truth! 

Too long a fair mirage my steps to guide, 
A fleeting vision, drifting far away, 
I found thee, as I wandered day by day, 
Till disappointment crushed my hopes and 
pride. 

But soon again upon my raptured sight 
Thy beauty gleamed, yet ever fainter grew. 
I stooped to gather buds of fairest hue. 
Then rose to follow on through darkest night. 

For thou wast gone, and grief oppressed my 

soul. 
By such enchantments think not to deceive 
My longing heart again, thou oft didst grieve, 
To follow thee and find the grave my goal. 



aeonian dEcftoe^ 95 



GLORY TO THE SAVIOUR GIVE! 

Glory to the Saviour give! 
He who died that we might live 

Conquered Death and Hell to-day ! 
Joyful chimes glad carols ring, 
Heaven and earth unite to sing, 

Shades of sadness steal away. 

Cleanse our souls from sin's alloy. 
Fill our hearts with sacred joy, 

"Love Divine," to Whom we sing ! 
Humble, earnest, at the Feast 
Of Thy servants, e'en the least 

Brings a tribute to his King. 

A SONG OF THE WHEEL 

Oh, the "bicycle face" 
Of the nineteenth century girl. 
Who comes through the dust with a whirl. 

Dashing through time and space ! 

Graceful she is, and sweet. 
She smiles as she passes us by. 
And seems to the critical eye 

Dainty from head to feet. 

Fair is the summer day ! 
Yet fairer the face of the girl 
Who comes through the dust with a whirl 

O'er youth's flowery way ! 



96 aeonian (!Bcf)oe0 

LOVE'S IMMORTALITY 

When all that makes my life so bright and 
sweet 
Must be transformed; when hollow-eyed Re- 
gret 
Shall sadly turn, fast-coming Death to greet, 
In that dread trial shall my heart forget? 

Then all in vain these days of Love's sweet 
spring 
Of budding hope, in vain that we have met? 
Ah, no ! Death cannot hush the song I sing. 
When shadows fall, my heart shall not for- 
get. 



"SPEAK, LORD, FOR THY SERVANT 
HEARETH !" 

Speak, Lord; it may be in the night of pain 
I hear Thy Voice, yet I respond again. 
For, through the tumult of this restless strife, 
I hear the Voice that called me into life. 

Speak, Lord; if earth hath dulled my spirit's 

ear, 
Do Thou forgive, and teach Thy child to hear ; 
That meekly I may listen to Thy Voice, 
In Thy redeeming Love to e'er rejoice. 



aeonian Ccftoe^ 97 

That Voice, which even Death must e'er obey, 
In tender accents speaks to me to-day. 
I leave all else, dear Lord, to follow Thee, 
Some faint reflection of Thy Love to be. 

"ONE WORD OF COMFORT" 

One word of comfort was refused to me. 

That word of comfort which, when gently 

said 
Or written, dries the tears which grief has 
shed. 
And fills the stricken heart with sympathy. 

For others who have suffered, oh, how keen 
Their pain may be ! this cross of one we love, 
Which guides his longing heart to heights 
above. 

Which gives him visions of the great unseen. 

Because this word of comfort is denied, 
From others shall I also turn ? Ah, no ! 
My heart must be unselfish in its woe. 

Perchance in other days my spirit's pride. 

Unheeding and unthinking, may have turned 
From one of Thy dear children. Lord, for- 
give! 
Nor let Thy mercy fail me; bid me live 

In love until this lesson has been learned. 



98 aeonian (Btbot^ 

FRIENDSHIP 

I LAY my fairest flowers on the shrine 

Of friendship. When the world seems dark 

and cold, 
I shall not shrink to see my life unfold 

Its crumpled pages, noble, e'en divine, 

Because unselfish is the friendship sweet 
That offers its devotion, asking naught; 
That breathes its fragrant loveliness un- 
sought, 

And makes my life, once broken, now complete. 

O friendship! I would sing of thy bright faith, 
When other earthly hopes are in the dust. 
Above life's ruins, shining in thy trust. 

As strong as Love, to triumph over Death. 



MARGUERITE 

Sweet flowers bloom to greet her on her way. 
My "heart's delight," my long-lost Mar- 
guerite ! 
Come back from Fancy's realm, thou fairy fay ! 
Come back once more to make my life com- 
plete. 
Bright are these summer days, yet far less fair 
Than thy sweet presence, in thy beauty rare ! 



aeonian OBcftoe^ 



PANSIES 

"Pansies— that's for thoughts!" 

WONDROUS sight ! thy thoughts of me, my own, 
Have blossomed into flower. As I kiss 
The pansies thou hast sent me in my bliss, 

1 am no longer far away, alone. 

For tender thoughts with fragrance strangely 
sweet 
My raptured, longing heart would fain re- 
turn 
Devotion's tribute, all love's lessons learn. 
Fresh pansies I will send thee till we meet. 



THE WHITE ROSEBUD 

TO M. 

A THEME for this my poem you gave one day, 
And as I listened to your mournful tale, 
Methought a poet true could scarcely fail 
To trace its touching beauty ; but away 

With vanity ! The work my spirit wrought, 
The faintest outline of a lovely dream 
To you and me my feeble words must seem! 

But if within these lines one burning thought 
Should brightly shine, a single grain of gold. 
Then not in vain the story has been told. 



100 aeonian (Ccftoes 

Once to the sunny South a stranger came, 
And to the youthful pride of manhood strong 
Death seemed an awful contrast, but ere 
long 

He sickened of a sore disease. His name 

Alone his nurses knew; they could not know 
What hearts might wait for him, far, far 

away; 
Yet tenderly they watched him day by day. 
For Jesus' sake they soothed the stranger's 
woe. 

And in the quaint old church, to them so dear, 
The stranger oft had knelt, and at the Feast, 
The table of the Lord. Each day increased 

Their Christian love and kindness, and their 
fear 

Lest he should pass away. He "fell asleep" 
Without a single message or a word 
For those who loved him, and they never 
heard 
From whence he came, or who for him might 
weep. 

And in the churchyard he was buried; sweet 
The flowers laid upon the new-made mound, 



aeonian (Bchot^ loi 

The Christian love that chose the sacred 
ground ! 
As if about a brother's grave they meet. 

Into the quaint old church, with ivy green 
About its windows twining, came one day 
A fair young girl, and as she knelt to pray, 

A pure white rosebud in her breast was seen. 

It was the Lord's day, and the service o'er 
The maiden rose with falt'ring step and slow, 
In deepest mourning; as she turned to go. 

The people lingered by the old church door. 

They knew her not; and oft at twilight tell 
How pale she was, how beautiful her face! 
And how she went to that last resting place, 

The stranger's grave, and fast her hot tears 
fell. 

And kneeling there with clasped hands, she 

prayed 

In silence, then her lips the rosebud pressed. 

'Twas held one moment to her throbbing 

breast, 

Then gently on the stranger's grave 'twas laid. 



102 aeonian dEcftoe^ 

"THOU ART THE WAY" 

Dear Saviour, when the path that lies before 
us 

Is marked by crosses, be our spirits' stay, 
And teach us, as Thine angels hover o'er us, 

That Thou, Thyself, forever art the Way. 

Earth's glories are but shadows, yet our weep- 
ing 
Thy love shall hear; our anguish, as we 
pray 
Shall turn to peace, since we are in Thy keep- 
ing, 
Who know Thou art forevermore the Way. 



IN THE VALLEY 

Some great and wondrous work for men, not 
mine 
The pleasure to accomplish, nor shall be; 
For nobler lives the triumph; yet not vain 
My efforts if a single child of Thine, 

My Lord, I save. Each humble task for 
Thee 
Is one more help the greater heights to 
gain. 



aeonian dBcftoes 103 

N—— ————»- 1^— ^— »— ^— — ^^.^ 

TO THE ABSENT 

I AM not always sad, though far away 
Thy footsteps wander; ever day by day 
I tell my heart that spring is drawing near 
When we shall meet again and every fear 

Is banished, since thine absence shall not last. 
With sweetest fragrance from the living Past 
Immortal flowers spring, their radiant bloom 
Beguiles my spirit of its secret gloom. 

"IN THE SPIRIT" 

No early offering of sacrifice. 

Of Eucharistic blessing may I share 

With Thy beloved in Thy house of prayer, 

Yet, Lord, Thy love Thy children's want sup- 
plies. 

Each holy day of rest still finds my heart 
In longing memory turning to that shrine. 
Where daily Thy Blest Sacrament divine 

I knelt before, and found of life a part. 

This early hour, sacred. Lord, to Thee, 
Do Thou accept. Though I am far away 
From that fair shrine, yet hear me while I 
pray. 

"In spirit" in Thy Presence may I be. 



104 aeonian dEcftoe^ 

TWO PICTURES 

In his selfish search for treasure, 
And his sordid love of gain, 

Oft I hear the man of pleasure 
In his weariness complain: 

"So much comes my plans to spoil, 

What a world of care and toil !" 

Love has shed its radiant beauty 
O'er a sick man's bed of pain. 

Weak and ill, he loves his duty; 
Oft I hear his life's refrain: 

"Since my God my cross has blest, 

What a world of peace and rest!" 



"THE HUSH THAT FOLLOWS THE 
PRAYER" 

The prayer is ended, and the white-robed 
priest 
Has blessed his people. Now again he kneels 
Before the altar ; o'er each spirit steals 

A holy calm; though now the sacred Feast 

Is o'er, yet blessings in each earnest breast 
Shall sweetly linger, calming grief and care. 
As all uniting in this silent prayer 

Are one in spirit, finding here their rest. 



aeonian (Bthot^ 105 

Oh! when, the silence broken, forth we go 
To work for Thee, dear Saviour, may this 

peace 
"That passeth understanding" never cease. 
That peace which only those who love Thee 
know. 



LOVE AND YOUTH 

Love roused me from my peaceful sleep, 
Sharp was the pain that pierced my heart. 
"Wake!" cried the god. "Thou shalt de- 
part!" 

Then o'er a thorny path and steep 

Love bade me go. In vain with tears 
From that rough road I turned aside. 
Love quickly humbled all my pride. 

Yet in a whisper calmed my fears : 

"I give thee youth to smooth thy way," 

Thus spake the god. Fair was the morn! 
Rich were the fields with golden corn. 

With radiant hope smiled that bright day! 

Fair was the morn when forth I went. 

Now, dark the skies, since, sad, alone, 

Youth I no longer call my own. 
Love's service all my strength hath spent ! 



106 aeonian (Btbot^ 

LOVE CONQUERS TIME 

Love conquers Time, which giveth way, 

Awed by the power of his sway. 
O Love, upon thy fairy brow 
Willow and laurel mingle now! 

Life cannot always have its May; 

Rich are the treasures of each day 
Which, passing, leaves a radiant ray. 
Comfort for those who wonder how 
Love conquers Time. 

Far from our youth our feet must stray, 

Hushed is the springtime's sweetest lay; 

Yet Love with gifts shall still endow, 

New raptures to our hearts allow. 

Still, if his mandates we obey. 

Love conquers Time. 

"CHRISTUS RESURREXIT" 

Thou, LORD, didst come to suffer pain and 
die; 
From sin's dark thrall to set Thy children 

free. 
Death, where is thy sting? thy victory, 
O Grave? Behold redemption draweth nigh! 
"Lift up your hearts I" O ye, who weep and 
sigh. 



aeonian OBcftoe^ 107 

In loving adoration bow the knee! 
Before His Presence, sin and sorrow flee! 
His ear is open to His children's cry. 

Arise, my soul, thy Saviour lives again ! 
His love accepts the tribute of thy praise. 
That thorn-crowned Head, those pierced hands 
and feet 
Were torn for Thee; for Thee was borne 
the pain 
That won the victory; then gladly raise 
An Easter hymn, thy risen Lord to greet! 

LOVE'S TRIBUTE 

'Tis but a feeble strain I sing to thee; 

Though when I sing to others, burning 

thought 
From brightest fancies of the brain is 
wrought. 
Where is my manhood, love, that I should be 
So weak, my own, where I would win thy 
praise.'' 
My fairest laurels to adorn thy brow 
I fain would offer thee in rapture now; 
Yet, if rejected, scorned! through passing days 
My heart shall see a vision ever fair, 

Immortal, through my love, whose touch di- 
vine 
Hath power thus to claim thee ever mine. 
From cherished hopes to lift the veil despair. 



108 aeonian aEcftoeie? 

MY MOTHER'S VOICE 

Oft in my happy dreams of infancy 

A voice was heard in that blest "long ago," 
Now rising sweet and clear, then soft and 
low, 

In rippling tones of wondrous melody. 

All through my childhood rang that happy 
voice. 
Which fainter grew, as youth came on apace, 
Yet echoed on, when weary of life's race 

I heard its tones, which bade my heart rejoice. 

Far from that happy home, yet not alone, 
I wander, bearing in my heart that song. 
Which lingers, guarding me from every 
wrong ; 

I ever hear its old, familiar tone. 



"THE CHRISTIAN STEPS OF ST. 
BERNARD" 

Love of God for self, love of God for God, love of self 
for God: these are the Christian steps of which St. 
Bernard tells. 

All the gifts of life I squandered 
Once in days of sin and pain. 

Far away from God I wandered. 
Self for self, I loved in vain. 



aeottian (£Bci)De0 109 



Then from snares about me turning, 

Saved at last, to rise above 
Earthly griefs, my heart was learning 

For myself, my God to love. 

Onward still my feet were pressing 

O'er the narrow path I trod. 
Till at last, "His might confessing," 

For Himself I loved my God. 

Though the way seems long and dreary. 
When I reach fair Canaan's shore, 

Of God's praises never weary, 
Self for God I shall love more. 

O LOVE, MY WAY IS DARK! 

O LOVE, my way is dark, though fairest Spring 
Shines on my path! Bright Nature seems to 

sing 
Her sweetest songs to thee, whilst shadows 

drear 
Have made my coward spirit shrink with fear. 

O Love, my way is dark! no ray of light 
May pierce the awful gloom of pain's dark 

night. 
Yet whilst I feel the power of thy charm, 
Nor life nor death can do my spirit harm. 



110 Etonian (Btf^ot$ 

A SONG OF LOVE 

Once more I hear Love's sweetest song divine 
In thrilling accents telling thou art mine. 
My dearest heart! the hours all too soon 
Have vanished, yet I crave of thee a boon: 
A few brief hours, Love, of bliss with thee. 
Come loneliness ; come pain and death to be, 
My portion, yet ye cannot take away 
The glories of Love's first triumphant day! 

LOVE AND FORGIVENESS 

Though "knowledge vanish," love shall still 
remain ; 
Yet not in thought alone, but word and deed, 
Doth love forgive, and in our sorest need 

Love steals away the sting from every pain. 

Love beareth all, believeth, hopeth all, 
Enduring all, to pass with us to life 
Beyond the grave. Love strengthens in the 
strife 

With evil, ever patient when we fall. 

Love, in our sin and sorrow still is true, 
Forgiving, seeing in each stricken soul 
God's image, guiding onward to that goal 

Where we shall find sweet rest. Earth never 
knew, 



aeonian (Bti^ot^ iii 

In full, love's meaning of that word "forgive," 
Till Love upon the cross in anguish cried: 
"Father, forgive!" Washed by Thy cleans- 
ing tide 

Of mercy and forgiveness, may we live ! 

Love trod with bleeding feet our narrow path; 
'Twas in man's darkest hour of despair 
Love hung upon the cross and answered 
prayer. 

Living, eternal Love averted wrath! 

O "Love Divine" ! live in our souls to-day, 
Teaching our hearts forgiveness ; mercy 

sweet 
Shall strengthen justice, truth be made com- 
plete. 
The sins of penitence be washed away. 

"LORD OF THE HARVEST!" 

Lord of the harvest, not in vain 

Thy children's toil; their grief and pain 

Shall sacred in Thy Presence be. 

Each soul reclaimed, drawn near to Thee. 

Precious as ointment at Thy feet 
Repentant tears shall flow, how sweet. 
E'en on this sin-stained earth, to know 
Blessings that from Thy Presence flow! 



112 aeonian dEcftoe^ 

Lord, we have conquered sin and shame 
By calling on Thy Sacred Name. 
Only through love of Thee we win 
Those who have fallen into sin. 

Lord of the Harvest, hear our prayer, 
Save us from sin's enticing snare; 
That from Thy Presence, as we pray, 
Love shall illuminate our way. 

"BEFORE THE THRONE!" 

"My Jesus, it was not Pilate, but my sins which con- 
demned Thee." 

Before the Throne of God, he pleads for me, 

My Saviour dear. 
My sins condemned Him to the cruel tree. 

Yet need I fear. 

Since my repentant tears in anguish fall.? 

A vision fair 
Of Him Who is "my Lord, my life, my all," 

Calms my despair. 

Nor shall I crucify my Lord again. 

Who pleads above; 
Whose sacred heart still feels His children's 
pain 

In pitying love. 



3eonian (Ecftoe0 113 

Before the Throne of God, for you and me, 

For all our needs. 
Once crowned with thorns, but now in majesty. 

Our Saviour pleads. 

THY SAVIOUR COMES! 

Thy Saviour comes ! Hast thou no song, sad 
heart ? 

Lord, I am poor and weak. 
Yet still I pray Thee come to ne'er depart. 

Some word I yet may speak. 

Less than a song, perchance, some word of 
cheer 

To those who seek Thy grace ! 
Lord, I need only murmur Thou art near. 

Thy tender love I trace. 

In every change of life, unhurt by woe. 

Nor keenly stung by pain. 
Strengthened I struggle on, since this I know. 

My Saviour comes again. 

Thy angels sing the hymns my loving heart 

Would gladly learn to sing. 
Come to me, Lord, to nevermore depart. 

Come quickly. Saviour King! 



114 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

"LET IT NOT BE IN VAIN THAT THOU 
HAST DIED!" 

Let it not be in vain, dear Lord, for me 

That Thou hast suffered. Selfishness and 

pride. 
My many sins Thy love have crucified. 
Oh, where for refuge shall my spirit flee 
As age and death creep on? Thy love I see 
A light upon my path; my heart hath cried: 
"Let it not be in vain that Thou hast died 
In bitter anguish on the cruel tree!" 

Then came my answer, as I heard Thee 
say, ' 
"I sought thee, found thee, called thee; thou 
art mine !" 
Take all that hinders me, I sacrifice 

My dearest idols ; Lord, be Thou my stay ; 
Since I have yielded to Thy love divine 
The scales have fallen from my blinded eyes. 



LOVE PASSED ME BY! 

Love passed me by ; I heeded not. 
Contented with my happy lot. 
The flowers bloomed; the skies were blue. 
And yet no greater bliss I knew 
Than fame and pride, as, with a sigh, 
Love passed me by! 



aeonian (Bcbot^ ii£ 

Love passed me by, yet lingered near; 
I felt no touch of hope or fear; 
No rapture filled my heart the day 
I saw the god upon his way; 
But now I dream and wonder why 
Love passed me by! 

Love passed me by; how dense and blind 
The soul that hopes his bliss to find 
In aught but Love; and now alas! 
I wait in vain for him to pass. 
In vain I weep and wonder why 
Love passed me by! 

A DREAM OF HEAVEN 

I WANDERED into heaveu ; time and space 
Had fallen from me; my immortal soul 
(Or so methought) at last attained its goal. 

What wonders see I here? What gift of grace 

Enables me to calmly see that race 

Of men where once I suffered ; view the whole 
Of earthly bliss or pain, the paltry dole 

Of bread so hardly earned, the measured pace 
Of some poor hypocrite — yet feel no pain ? 
My heart is joyful, angel-music sweet 

Calls me to prayer; my voice attuned to sing 
My Maker's praises, also asks again 
Pardon for earth, at God's great mercy-seat. 

I wake! yet angel-voices near me ring. 



116 aeonian aBcftoes? 

FAR WESTERN CHICKEN 

Where Mount Tacoma's noble peak of snow 
Majestic frowns upon the world below, 
Where Puget Sound shines like a sea of glass, 
Strange things to Eastern eyes have come to 
pass. 

We longed for feathered fowls and found them, 

too, 
"Not wisely, but too well," for soon we knew 
As up and down Tacoma's hills they stalked. 
Their limbs were much developed; we were 

balked 

Of appetite's keen pleasures, they are tough, 
I mean the fowls, one drumstick is enough; 
And so, though we have lived both East and 

West, 
We bow to Eastern chicken as the best. 



"THAT FIRST SWEET DREAM OF 
LOVE" 

"That first sweet dream of love," though long 
since fled. 

Its glamour o'er my weary life hath shed. 
Those hopes and fears that made each mo- 
ment sweet, 



aeonfan (Bthot^ 117 

Love's flowers crushed beneath my careless 
feet, 
With happy youth's decay, alas ! are dead. 

" 'Tis better to have loved," hath oft been said ; 
Though sharpest wounds within my heart have 
bled. 
One memory still makes my life complete, 
"That first sweet dream of love!" 

Beside Love's grave I weep, through impulse 

led 
To linger here, where flowers' petals red 
Seem like great drops of blood. Each mo- 
ment fleet 
Brings nearer that fair day when I shall meet 
Love risen ! not in vain remembered 

"That first sweet dream of love!" 

TWO VIEWS OF LIFE 

I. DESPAIR 

Tired of life and its many cares, 
Trying to take the wheat from the tares. 
Upward we look to a gloomy sky 

Longing to die ! 
Tired of seeing the wrong prevail. 
Many we love, in their weakness fail, 
Ask we in vain for the reason why, 

Longing to die ! 



118 aeonian dEcfaoeg 

II. FAITH 

Seeing right triumph over the wrong, 
Hearing the tones of the angel-song, 
No more, feeling our Lord is nigh. 

Long we to die ! 
Feeling that God is our Father still, 
Love Divine overcoming the ill. 
No more, under a sunny sky, 

Long we to die! 

THE SACRED HEART 

Sacred Heart of the Saviour, O inexhaustible 

fountain ! 
Sweetest lessons in patience Thy mercy shall 

teach us to-day. 
With Thy wandering pilgrims, whether on 

valley or mountain, 
Angels of peace and forgiveness shall comfort 

them on their way. 

Sacred Heart of the Saviour, O inexhaustible 

fountain ! 
Millions healed by Thy bleeding are turning 

for refuge to Thee. 
On our homeward way, whether on valley or 

mountain. 
Even now in our weakness, Thy radiance our 

spirits shall see. 



aeonian OBcftoejj 119 

YOU PRAYED FOR ME! 

You prayed for me! far, far away 
I heard your voice, o'er land and sea 
Its cadence sweet was borne to me 

To soothe the anguish of this day. 

I heard the message sent to God; 

'Twas given to my heart to hear. 

An angel soothed my spirit's fear. 
Fair buds bloomed o'er the path I trod. 

It was your love which bent the knee 
In sweet devotion, not in vain, 
Since angel voices sing again 

Those hymns that once you sang to me. 

"ET MON CCEUR, C'EST MORT!" 

I GAZED upon the marble statues rare 
Of Grief and Death, a maiden wondrous fair 
Bent o'er her lifeless bird, its last faint breath 
Had scarce been spent, yet to her mind this 

death 
Suggested that of him she loved too well. 
One week ago she listened to his knell. 
She pressed a hand upon her lonely heart, 
With eyes dilated, perfect lips apart. 
I, drawing near, the quaint inscription read; 
Thus mournfully it ran: "My heart is dead!" 



120 aeonian (Ecj)oe0 

THE SACRED POWER OF SONG 

My spirit soars upon the wings of song 
Far, far away from toil and strife below, 
Above these earthly scenes of sin and woe. 

Where right too oft is crushed by cruel wrong. 

Enraptured by a vision of Thy love. 

My Saviour, not in vain I seek Thy face; 
Since here on earth, I find no resting place. 

My spirit seeks a Father's home above. 

"In heart and mind I would ascend to Thee," 
And though my spirit wanders back again 
To earth, still fettered by the body's pain, 

The ecstasy of song remains to me. 



"FOR ME THERE IS NO TIME" 

"No hour strikes for the happy." — Italian Proverb, 

Time brings no change that hope cannot en- 
dear. 
For me there is no time, my love is near. 
Once I was sad, but that was long ago. 
Ere time had faded, then I could not know 
Thy presence, sweet, I feel 'tis no bright dream 
Because I see thy face; thy dark eyes gleam. 
Others may listen to the distant chime, 
For me there is no time! 



aeonfan (2cj)oe0 121 

Oh, could we shed o'er other lives the light 
That shines upon our own, methinks 'twere 

right 
That we should pass together through this life, 
Yet still I dare to dream amid its strife 
In thy calm presence. Time has lost his hold 
On one whose only thought was once of gold. 
Others may count their days by silvery chime, 
For me there is no time! 

ARMENIA'S PRAYER 

"How long, O Lord," shall martyrs' blood be 
shed ? 

"In mercy, not in wrath," rebuke us. Lord! 

"Vain is the help of man !" The cruel sword 
Is mighty. Hear the dying! Lo the dead 

Despoiled in thousands lie! Thy martyrs' 
blood 
"Cries from the ground." None ever asked 

in vain 
For help from Thee, in feebleness or pain. 
Wilt Thou, in mercy, stay the sacred flood 

Whose crimson tide before the nations flows? 
Thy Church in supplication asks Thee "why 
The heathen rage?" Thy love shall make re- 

Arise, O God, and save us from our foes ! 



122 aeonian (Btbot^ 

LORD, MAKE US THINE ! 

Lord, make us Thine, 
Thine when the light of youth shines o'er us. 
Still may Thy angel go before us, 

O Love Divine ! 

Strengthen each heart. 
Then years can bring no grief to harm us. 
Thy strongest foes can ne'er alarm us ; 

Pain shall depart; 

New hopes shall shine. 
Peace not of earth shall still our weeping. 
Lord, we are safe, within Thy keeping, 

Lord, we are Thine! 

MY BABY BROTHER'S GRAVE 

When weary of the world and scarce believing 
That love is true for which I, longing, crave. 
There is a place for which my heart is griev- 
ing— 
My baby brother's grave! 

'Tis not that fairest flowers there are growing, 
Whose brilliant colors kiss that cross of snow 
Which marks his sacred dust. My heart o'er- 
flowing. 
Its sweetest rest shall know 



aeonian OEcftoeg 123 

Beside that grave. If but in spirit only, 

I kneel where love and innocence entwined 
Have shed their brightest lustre, no more 
lonely, 
Within my heart enshrined 

His memory lives ; I turn away grown stronger 
To bear each burden on my Hfe's rough way. 
Hope whispers, "Bear thy cross a little longer, 
Before the perfect day !" 



BEATRICE 

Imprisoned sunbeams played amid the hair 
Which traced the outlines of her forehead fair. 
No one could tell the color of her eyes, 
Whose ever-varying shade was fresh surprise, 
And none could fathom depths of love within. 
Her Grecian nose, the dimpled mouth and chin, 
All formed a face patrician. In her pride 
She seemed like one from sorrow set aside. 
Could pain and death such loveliness efface.? 
Or time disfigure such angelic grace.? 
The future of her life we cannot know. 
But whether it shall bring her weal or woe, 
A blight upon that fragile form must come. 
In dreamless sleep those perfect lips be dumb. 



124 aeonian (Ecftoe^ 

YOU THINK OF ME 

Because the skies above are blue, 
Because I know your heart is true, 
All nature seems divinely fair, 
And life has lost its fret and care, 
Because whate'er my lot may be 
You think of me! 

I know not by what subtle sense 
For sorrows past sweet recompense 
Is mine, or why, without a word 
From you, my longing soul has heard 
Your songs of love; yet all doubts flee, 
You think of me! 

Now sorrow yields to Love's sweet sway. 
Now pain and death seem far away, 
I live in hope, because I know 
Your love will guard where'er I go. 
A vision fair of bliss I see. 
You think of me! 

How sweetly sing the birds of love. 
While echoes answer from above. 
The breezes bear your message sweet. 
In prayer my lips your name repeat. 
My life is thrilled by melody. 
You think of me ! 



aeonian (Bchot$ 125 

LORD OF HOSTS, TO THEE, MOST 
HIGH! 

O LORD of Hosts ! to Thee, Most High, 
In time of need we humbly cry, 
Be with our armies on their way 
To guard by night and shield by day. 

O, keep our honor free from stain. 
And grant us days of peace again! 
For our brave armies' victory. 
Our grateful hearts give thanks to Thee. 

THE ANGEL OF PAIN 

Fair angel, minister of holy grace. 

We shrink from thee, in agonizing fear. 
Thou art sublime, and in Thy presence drear 

Thy rare, celestial beauty we may trace. 

Man in his feebleness hath called thee Pain, 
And oft hath cursed thee in his bitter woe, 
For all that thou hast caused his life to know. 

Beneath thy icy touch, the heart and brain 

Grow numb, and yet there is a sacred peace 
That thou hast taught to those who know 

thee best; 
Thy loving arms shall bear them into rest, 
Where "Pain shall be no more" and sorrow 
cease. 



126 aeonian OEcftoe^ 

SOME WORD FOR THEE 

Lord, when Thy children weak 
Blindly Thy Presence seek, 

Some word for Thee 
Teach me in faith to say 
Till light shines o'er their way. 

And shadows flee. 

Why should my soul be dumb, 
When soon my Lord may come 

In majesty? 
Lord, by that hope made strong, 
Teach me in sacred song 

Some word for Thee. 

Though it should be through pain, 
Guide me, so none in vain 

Ask help from me. 
Grant me some word of love 
To raise their hearts above. 

Some word for Thee. 

LOVE'S SYMBOLS 

I 

'TwAS not because the singer's song was sweet, 
My heart responded to each thrilling tone ; 
Because she sang of love, and love alone, 
I threw my fairest flowers at her feet. 



aeonian dBtbot^ 127 

II 

'T is not because my roses are so rare 
That I have cherished them so tenderly ; 
Love's own sweet symbols they have seemed to 

me, 
Love's radiance making them divinely fair. 

ni 

'T is not because the skies so brightly shine, 
I gladly raise mine eyes, but Love's own hue 
Is now reflected in their gleaming blue, 
That Love, exalted thus, may grow divine. 

GOD OF THE NATIONS, WHO OF OLD 

God of the nations. Who of old 
Didst make Thy chosen people bold 
To fight oppressors, conquer wrong, 
O, make our armies brave and strong! 

Lord, we would offer grateful praise 
For all our happy, peaceful days. 
Now that the troublous times have come, 
O, bless our dear ones far from home! 

Lord, Who in Love Divine dost see 
The weakness of humanity. 
Have pity on our hopes and fears, 
And give us peace, as in past years. 



128 aeonian (Bthot^ 

"UNSATISFIED" 

If boundless wealth were mine and worldly ease, 
Bereft of thee, the hunger of my heart 
Unsatisfied, would seek its better part. 

Though far away, my love beyond the seas 

Through heat and cold, in foreign climes alone 
Now seeks relief from some vain fancy's 

thrall. 
Alas ! on him I stake my life, my all ! 
But should his scorn my fond heart turn to 
stone — 

Of whom I dream, who never thinks of me, — 
Upon that stone inscribed his precious 

name 
I should count dearer far than rank or fame, 

Than all I am or ever hope to be. 

TWO PICTURES OF REST 

I 

An artist traced his fancy fair, of rest; 
An isolated lake ; upon its breast 
The ripples scarcely stirred, and nature wild 
In radiant beauty on the evening smiled. 
Stagnation, and not rest, it seemed to me 
That such a picture of still-life must be. 



Etonian (Bcbot$ 129 



II 



Another artist traced his fancy fair, 
Of rest ; above a torrent in mid air, 
Upon a bough which quivered in the spray. 
Yet safe, a bird's nest clung from which, each 

day, 
The warbler's song rang out. This seemed 

to me 
A picture far more true of rest to be. 

Rest comes to us e'en in the midst of strife, 
If we but live the higher, nobler life. 

A SONG OF THE FIRESIDE 

Before my lonely fireside. 

Half dreaming in the fading light, 

I think of faces once my pride. 

Which seem so near to me, to-night. 

Upon the boughs which brightly shine, 
Birds sweetly sing beneath my gaze. 

Awaking thoughts that make me yearn 
For other, brighter, happy days. 

'Tis not the song of birds alone ; — 
I hear the summer zephyrs sigh, 

And then the tempest's fiercer tone 
As in its wrath it passes by. 



130 aeonian (gcfioeg 

Sweet fancies ! though to-morrow's pain 
Your presence from my soul may part. 

To-night, ye charm my weary brain, 
And cheer my desolated heart. 

"DIVIDED !" 

Better that Love in its pity had chided, 

Cruel the lies they had heard! 
Oh ! for the grief of two spirits divided 

All for the want of a word. 

Why does she shudder when other lips call 
her.? 
Sweet was the name he loved best. 
Lonely through life, until death shall befall 
her, 
Wildly her spirit seeks rest. 

Oft to the future in vain he is turning, 
Grasping Time's favors in haste. 

Still for the past and its bliss he is yearning. 
Over life's desolate waste. 

Oh ! for the past in its wonderful sweetness 

Fading away into pain ! 
Oh! for two lives with their strange incom- 
pleteness, 

Striving with Fate all in vain! 



aeonian (Bthot^ isi 



Oh ! for the loss of that strong love unspoken. 

What ! could no good angel save ? 
Oh ! for the pain of a woman's heart broken ! 

Now in the peace of the grave! 

SAVIOUR, WE COME TO THEE 

Saviour, we come to Thee 
On this blest Feast to laud Thy victory. 
The tribute of our love we offer now, 
Before Thy Altar-Throne we humbly bow. 

Saviour, we come to Thee, 

While sin's temptations from Thy Presence 

flee. 
Our sweetest flowers deck Thine Altar fair. 
Their incense mingles with our earnest 

prayer. 

Saviour, we come to Thee, 
On this blest Feast to laud Thy victory. 
How sweet within Thy sacred courts to kneel. 
And listen to the joyful church-bells' peal. 

Saviour, we come to Thee ! 
All nations shall rejoice Thy light to see. 
Thy angel-choirs sing of love and peace. 
We echo happy strains that ne'er shall cease. 



132 aeonian Ccftoeg 

SWEET WESTERN LAND! 

Sweet western land ! how fair thy flowers ! 

No winter thou shalt know. 
Once more I rove amid thy bowers 

In dreams of long ago. 

western land! to me divinely fair! 
My heart, my memory are ever there. 

Sweet western land! Thy radiant beauty 

Has glorified my life. 
There life was love, and love a duty, 

So far away seemed strife; 
My careless youth forgot all toil and care, 
While sweetest fragrance filled the balmy air. 

1 deemed all hearts by love enchanted, 

Because my life was sweet. 
But grief must come; by sorrow haunted; 

My ever restless feet 
Methinks will stray again to that far West, 
My fevered heart at last shall find its rest. 

Sweet western land! how fair thy flowers, 

Thy glamour o'er life still! 
I ask no more of thee, glad hours. 

My yearning heart to thrill; 
Yet should I no more see the land I crave, 
Among thy roses may I find a grave. 



aeonian (lBcf)oe0 133 

"WHERE IS MY LORD?" 

This poem is written on the Church of the Redeemer, 
New York, which was sold for debt and afterward torn 
down. 

"Where is my Lord?" The sacred light that 
burned 

Before the Altar, is extinguished now. 

No more the Priests in adoration bow 
Before that holy shrine; yet lessons learned 

In that sweet church, shall never pass away. 
Though now, like Mary Magdalene, we 

mourn 
And seek to find our Lord, each soul forlorn 
Shall hear His voice. Though far from home 
we stray — 

That church which was our home — a message 
sweet 
Our stricken souls deliver. Not in vain 
That Daily Sacrifice, in bliss or pain 

Was offered ! Still we go with willing feet 

To bear God's truth to others; through His 
grace 
Within our hearts that light shall never die 
Which burned before the Altar. Lord, we 
cry: 
"From those who mourn, turn not away Thy 
face!" 



134 aeonian OBcftoeg 

THE ANGEL OF FAITH 

She passed the young, and stronger grew each 

soul; 
She passed the aged who grew young again 
In spirit at her smile ; their grief and pain 
Were lightened, yet she sought some far-oflP 

goal, 

Or so methought. The path on which she trod 
At every step grew fairer; fragrance sweet 
From lands once barren, rose her smile to greet, 
Yet evermore her face was raised to God. 



EASTER JOY 

Winter's gloom has passed away, 
Brightly shines our Easter Day, 

Joyful carols ring. 
Lo ! our hearts respond again 
To the holy angels' strain; 

Heaven and earth shall sing. 

Christ hath taught us to forgive; 
Since "He died that we might live,'' 

"Let us keep the Feast !" 
Thus together, age and youth, 
"With sincerity and truth" 

Meet their great High Priest. 



aeonian (Bcbot^ 135 

"Christ is risen from the dead !" 
O'er our lives His love is shed. 

Strengthened thus we strive, 
Ever thinking of that day, 
Heaven, earth shall pass away, 

"All be made alive !" 



I SEEK MY LOVE 

I SEEK my love through the winding streams, 
With fairy wonders the water teems. 
In a dainty craft, where zephyrs blow 
O'er deathless flowers, the long ago 
I seek in the light of Fancy's beams. 

'Tis Hope who steers through the world of 

dreams. 
Each changing scene to my vision seems 
Familiar, and ever, as on I go, 
I seek my love! 

Though worn and weary of earthly schemes. 
This bliss enthralling, the time redeems 

I spent of old, in a world of woe. 

I hear a voice that is clear and low. 
No more as her radiant presence gleams 
I seek my love. 



136 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

" 'TIS WEARY WAITING HERE !" 

'Tis weary waiting here, a little longer 
My feet must falter o'er this thorny way. 

Then through these cruel trials growing 
stronger 
A vision I shall see of perfect day. 

Who dreams that Christ upon the cross for- 
saken, 

Forgotten was, in sorrow and disgrace. 
For us He felt deserted, to awaken 

From death to look upon His Father's face. 

E'en now methinks I hear the angels singing; 

Some faint, sweet echo is vouchsafed to me; 
Through days and nights of pain their music 
ringing, 

Until my life is lost in harmony. 

LOVE'S LAST SONG 

I AM waiting, I am weeping, for the coming of 
the night; 

Nature's tale, like Love's, repeated, she is tell- 
ing o'er and o'er. 

I am thinking of a spirit swept from mine for- 
evermore ; 

O my darling! O my loved one! do you see the 
sunset-light? 



aeonian (lBc|)oe0 137 

Do you think of days together, ere a fate too 

sad and stern 
Envied love and youth so joyful, set her seal 

upon each soul? 
Then our path grew faint before us ; far away 

ambition's goal ; 
Blinded eyes could see no further; broken 

hearts for bliss must yearn. 

Haunted by thy face forever, still in dreams I 
clasp thee, dear. 

Which too soon dissolve in fancy ; then through 
anguish I awake, 

Till I long in Lethe's waters of forgetfulness to 
slake 

With deep draughts this thirst of spirit, van- 
quished every hope and fear. 

Leaves of autumn, red and golden, now reflect 

the sunset sky. 
Yet thy voice in fancy mingles with the music of 

their fall. 
From the depths of lonely sorrow canst thou 

hearken to my call? 
O my darling, we are sundered! Spent with 

weariness, I die ! 



138 aeonian (Btbot^ 

GOD SPEED THEM ON THEIR WAY 

Our soldiers pass, and hearts are sad to-day ; 
The mothers weep, the wives and children 

stand 
To cheer their dearest, best, a gallant band. 
God speed them on their way! 

Each heart is moved, and lips that seldom pray 
Are asking blessings now on those we love. 
While stars and stripes are floating far 
above. 
God speed them on their way! 

Above the strife of earth, the battle fray, 
Eternal love abides, the victory 
Is Thine to give, our armies cry to Thee ! 
God speed them on their way! 

THE EARLY SERVICE 

Oh sacred, early service! in devotion 

Before the Altar faithful souls may meet 
To humbly ask for pardon, comfort sweet. 

Nor offer we in vain our heart's emotion. 

Oh sacred, early service ! earth alluring 

Can have no real charm for those who pray 
Before the Altar every holy day 

If they be true in heart, the Cross enduring. 



aeottian (I5cj)oe0 139 

Oh sacred, early service ! we possessing 

The strength to enter here, remember still 
Those who can never come, the helpless, ill. 

On them, O Lord ! we ask Thy special blessing. 

Oh sacred, early service ! bliss or sorrow 

May come, yet here Thy Presence, Lord, 

divine. 
Is blessing all who shall their hearts resign, 

And look beyond this earth to heaven's morrow. 

LOST ON THE PRAIRIE 

We lost our way upon the prairie wild — 
My love and I ; the radiant sunset light 
On western forests gleamed, a wondrous 
sight ! 

The trees were spectres grim, on every side. 

Those western twilights still, in fancies fair. 
Have grace to charm. Tacoma's snowy 

brow, 
By rainbow colors kissed, I see e'en now. 

While Puget Sound reflects that vision rare. 

No poisoned fang of fear could pierce my heart. 

My love, I only knew that thou wert near; 

I only clung to thee, each moment dear, 
Because so soon we knew our lives must part. 



140 aeonian OBcftoeg 

O Love ! Youth ! Would I were lost again 
With thee, my own ! for, when we found our 

way, 
It led us back to that drear work-a-day, 

Sad life that bore no charm to conquer pain. 

'Tis o'er; yet in my soul eternal Spring 

With Love, enthroned, still lists to Memory, 
Who sings of that fair eve I spent with thee. 

My dearest heart, while ceaseless echoes ring. 

"DELIVER US FROM EVIL" 

When life is sweet and every passing day 

Is fraught with blessing till our hearts for- 
get 
Their griefs of old, oh, save us from regret! 

"Deliver us from evil," Lord, we pray. 

When life is sad and all in vain we sigh 
For other, brighter days of happy youth 
When love had less of self and more of truth, 

"Deliver us from evil !" Lord, we cry. 

And when to tempt us from the narrow way. 
Upon our path, to dazzle mortal eyes. 
Sins, fair as angels seem in their disguise, 

"Deliver us from evil," Lord, we pray. 



aeonian dBcftoes! i4i 

The prayer that once we lisped at mother's 
knee 
Is still our guard through passing youth to 

age. 
Though kingdoms fall, and bloody war may 
wage, 
"Deliver us from evil!" is our plea. 

YOUR HEART IS HERE 

Your heart is here ! 
I almost feel it beat against my own. 
Though far apart we wander now, alone. 

Each hope and fear 

That thrills my heart 
Your own reflects, as waves the summer sky 
In beauty image, love, forever nigh. 

Though far apart 

Our lives may seem 
To others, yet in heart united still 
We watch the passing days, a higher will 

Throughout our dream 

Of life and love 
Protects in pity ; though we suffer now, 
Through pain and care our hearts are learn- 
ing how 

To live above. 



142 aeonian (Btbot$ 

"THE CHURCH IS OPEN!" 

The Church is open night and day, 
The faithful enter there to pray, 
The children linger near the door, 
Which opes alike to rich and poor. 
The Church is open, none in vain 
E'er seek admittance; grief and pain 
A solace find for sorrow's sting, 
And thankful hearts their tribute bring. 
The Church is open, free to all 
Who would obey the Master's call. 
Not only when the service sweet 
Our raptured hearts in love repeat. 
The Church is open, but alway 
The passers-by can pause to pray. 
Within those sacred courts, how blest 
To linger, finding peace and rest ! 



"MIDNIGHT, AND ALL IS WELL" 

Our ship was tossed upon a stormy sea. 

The crew despaired; we thought that death 
was near. 
Two holy men to Jesus made their plea. 

Then "Love divine" relieved our grief and 
fear; 
Throughout the ship was heard the joyful bell. 
The sailors cried: "Midnight, and all is well!" 



Etonian (gc&ocg 143 

My spirit roamed in darkness ! Jesus came ! 

And through the night I heard His Blessed 
Voice. 
Again I called upon His Holy Name, 

And angels bade my bleeding heart rejoice. 
Then freed at last from sin's enthralling spell, 
My spirit cried : " Midnight, and all is well !" 

When dews of death are moist upon my brow. 
And earthly hopes are drifting far away. 

Be near, my Saviour! comfort me as now 
With visions fair of Thine eternal day; 

Then dying lips Thy sacred love may tell. 

Again the cry : "Midnight, and all is well !" 



FOR THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. 
ANDREW 

HYMN 

Dear Lord ! we hear Thy call, 
From sin and death to flee. 

Now gladly leaving all 
Our spirits turn to Thee. 

We hear our brothers' cry. 
From out the gloomy night ; 

But Thou, O God, art nigh ! 
The blind again see light. 



144 aeonian ggcftoeg 

Thy Holy Spirit give 

To those who bless Thy Name. 

For brothers dear, we live, 
To save from sin and shame. 

We pray each brother's heart, 
May hear Thy Voice divine, 

Ours is the humbler part. 
The victory is Thine. 

To Thee our hearts we raise. 
Our Saviour-King to greet. 

Our hymns of thankful praise, 
The ages shall repeat. 

FANCY 

O FANCY ! man is lost without thy smile 
Upon his changeful life, the darkest day 
Methinks he can endure, the roughest way 
He treads in hope if Fancy's charms beguile. 
A never-failing guide, to bless our youth 
With dreams of love the fairy fay delights. 
In vain we long for wings to share her flights, 
Yet find her evermore a friend of Truth. 
When Love and Youth forsake, as constant 

thou 
We find as when in early, happy days 
We sang our joyful songs to Fancy's praise, 
And laid our wreaths of blossoms on her brow. 



aeonian (gcftoeg 145 

If gold and friends by Time are torn away, 
And clinging memories alone remain, 
A fairy presence near may vanquish pain. 
No life so sad that Fancy, graceful fay. 
Deserts ; she dawns upon our mournful 

dreams. 
Which change to rapture, now to mortal eyes 
Methinks not wholly lost is Paradise, 
As guiding onward radiant Fancy gleams. 

"THE LAND OF THE WEST" 

Once in days of old we wandered by the lovely 

Puget Sound. 
Fair as heaven's promised glory, Mount Ta- 

coma's peak of snow 
Seemed to eyes entranced by beauty, while in 

shining waves below, 
Wondrous visions flashed before us till our 

fancies knew no bound. 

Love immortal had enthralled us, then for Love 
we lived alone ; 

Sorrow seemed a tale to frighten, life a lovely 
summer day; 

Angel music thrilled our spirits, evil seemed so 
far away. 

All that Love and Youth e'er longed for, we, en- 
raptured, thought our own. 



146 aeonian (£Ecl)De0 

Pain and sorrow entered Eden, then we woke to 

find a dream 
All the hopes that we had cherished ; Love, alas ! 

too soon had fled. 
Dark the life on which the radiant light of love 

is never shed, 
Spent in shadows growing darker till unreal all 

may seem ! 

Far away our restless spirits still for fair 

Tacoma long; 
Cold and commonplace the Eastern scenes to 

hearts that ever see 
Visions traced by Love's own pencil, bringing 

back through memory 
All thine unforgotten glory, land of poetry and 

song! 

GOD HEARD MY PRAYERS : YOU CAME 

I KNOW that life can never be the same; 
No sudden anguish has the strength to steal 
The rapture, dear, of love for you I feel. 

God heard my prayers, you came ! 

I found that life was sweeter far than fame, 
The happiness of spirits ever true. 
My life was glorified ; I only knew 

God heard my prayers, you came ! 



aeonian (Bcbot^ 147 

Mj heart, awakened, found for love no name, 
But sorrow hid her face, abashed by love. 
My spirit rose from grief to heights above ; 

God heard my prayers, you came ! 

As hope diviner grew, the loss and shame 
Of many spirits, touched with sharp regret, 
My heart enthralled, for Love and I had met ; 

God heard my prayers, you came ! 

The sunset-sky, with crimson tints aflame, 
A sacred meaning now reveals to me. 
The trace of Love in every cloud I see; 

God heard my prayers, you came ! 



"GO WORK TO-DAY!" 

"Son, go work to-day in my vineyard. He answered 
and said, I will not; but afterwards he repented and 
went." St. Mat. xxi, 29, 30. 

The Father said : "Son, go to-day 
And work, my vineyard needs thy care." 
The son at first refused. Oh, dare 
We hear our Lord and turn away.^ 

The Father speaks : "Go, work to-day !" 
Too often He commands in vain. 
Rebellious, oft we hear again 
The warning, "Work now, while ye may !" 



148 aeonian dEcftoeg 

The Father speaks : "Go, work to-day !" 
No more the precious time we waste. 
Subdued at last, to work we haste. 
With contrite hearts our Lord obey. 

The Father speaks : "Go, work to-day !" 
And earnest souls regard His voice; 
In blessed work the strong rejoice. 
But e'en the sick can watch and pray. 

The Father speaks : "Go, work to-day !" 
The night is coming; soon at rest, 
Our labors o'er, among the blest, 
Our souls will praise the Lord for aye. 

"ONLY TO-DAY!" 

To-day, dear, only to-day 
The flowers bloom upon our love-lit way ! 
What though to-morrow, steeped in dark de- 
spair, 
May come, to-day we feel no pain or care 

As words of love we say. 

To-day, dear, only to-day, 
(But life is brief, so love can well be gay) 
Our dreams are realized ; we laugh or weep 
Like children, who are waking from their sleep, 

As free from care as they. 



aeonian (Ecf)oe0 149 



To-day, dear, only to-day, 
O'er sea and land enthralled, the fairy fay 
Of love in all his majesty is king. 
To-day the happy birds his praises sing, 

And mortals own his sway. 

To-day, dear, only to-day 
To naught that love can ask we answer nay. 
We find the peace that follows after strife, 
Again to-morrow we may suffer life. 

And face the battle-fray. 

To-day, dear, only to-day 
The gentle voice of love we can obey. 
Apart, alone, to-morrow we may hear. 
With broken hearts, the mournful music clear 

Of love's own deathless lay. 

JESUS, ONCE A LITTLE CHILD 

Jesus, once a little Child, 

"Hear us. Merciful and Mild!" 

Teach Thy children how to pray. 
Guide us o'er the narrow way. 

Jesus, born for us to die, 

Hear Thy children's humble cry. 

May our sins be all forgiven, 
Guide us on the way to heaven. 



150 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING 

Santa Claus is coming! I'm so glad! 
All the boys must keep from being bad. 
Now we're counting up the splendid things 
Santa Claus to all the good boys brings. 

Wouldn't it be nice to see him come? 
Then perhaps he'll bring a sled and drum, 
Lots of candy, too, and nuts to crack. 
How I'd like to watch him bring his pack ! 

After all, perhaps I'll wake and see 
Santa Claus with all he has for me. 
All day long I'm singing this one tune, 
"Santa Claus is coming, coming soon !" 

A SONG OF VICTORY 

The victory is ours, the strife is o'er, 
The blood of those we love is shed no more. 
O Christ! who caused the storm of old to 
cease. 
We offer thanks for peace. 

The silken flags are floating far above. 
We gaze upon their stains, in awe and love. 
For those who banners bore 'mid shot and 
flame, 
We praise Thy Holy Name. 



aeonian aBc{)oe0 i5i 

When pride our spirits feel for victory, 
O teach us, Lord! to render thanks to Thee, 
The glory Thine ! accept the offering 
Of praise we humbly bring. 

To those who conquered may a message go 
Of love divine to fallen man below. 
The Church in triumph evermore may raise 
To God her hymn of praise. 

AN EVENING HYMN 

To-night I offer thanks for mercies sweet, 
Throughout the day ; my sinful spirit yearn- 
ing, 
To lay its burden down at sacred feet; 

From earth with all its snares and troubles 
turning. 

Though sleep resembles death I do not fear, 
Yet many sins alas ! my thoughts may num- 
ber, 

Repentant, now I feel a Presence dear. 

My soul resigns itself to peaceful slumber. 

To-night in gentle sleep my heart may rest, 
Forgetting life to-day, its bliss or sorrow. 

In dreams of Paradise my spirit blest 

May find new strength to struggle on to-mor- 
row. 



152 aeonian aBcI)oe$ 

RING OUT, GLAD BELLS! 

Ring out, glad bells, the praise of Christ our 
King! 
A weary world no longer waits in woe 
The promised time ; but streams of mercy 
flow, 
And tones of rapture through the ages ring. 

Ring out, glad bells I we rise to newer life. 
Our sins o'ercome, we chant the victory 
Of Him Who came to set His people free, 

O earth ! receive the peace that conquers strife. 

Ring out, glad bells! the joyful notes prolong. 
May "echo answer echo," far and near, 
The waiting hearts of men your message hear 

Of "love divine," that conquers every wrong. 

Ring out, glad bells ! the notes of grief and pain 
Are silent now upon our festal day. 
The King of Glory passes on His way, 

Oh ring, glad bells ! the Saviour comes again. 

Ring out, glad bells ! the angels' song repeat. 
Our happy hearts reecho every tone. 
We are no longer mournful and alone, 

Upon His natal day our Lord we greet. 



aeonian OEcftoeg 153 



THE MOUNTAIN FLOWER 

Frail and beautiful a flower grew 

Mount Tacoma's rugged front to grace. 

Nursed by winter's snow and summer dew, 
Clung to Mother-Earth in fond embrace. 

God in love its strange existence willed, 

Stronger life within the blossom thrilled. 

Lightning flashed around, uprooted trees; 

Still unharmed, the blossom lived its day. 
When the tempest ceased, the summer breeze 

Sought and found the flower fair — in play. 
Sweetest fragrance filled the atmosphere. 
Songs of birds reechoed far and near. 

Love the mountain climbed and scaled the 
height. 

Found the flower, bore it down to me. 
Wondering, I view thy beauty bright, 

Emblem of eternal mystery! 
God, Who shielded thee from wind and storm. 
Wisely every human life can form. 

Storms around us thunder, fierce and strong, 

Love divine is shining overhead. 
Hope is singing her eternal song. 

Light and beauty o'er our lives are shed. 
God in mercy hears His children's call. 
He Who saved the blossom, guards us all. 



154 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

"HE IS NOT DEAD" 

In memory of the Rev. Thomas McKee Brown 

He is not dead, he lives in every heart 

That heard his tender voice in praise and 

prayer ; 
No spirit ever asked of him to share 

Its grief in vain; amid the busy mart 

He passed, and sin with shame, abashed, in fear 
Before him shrank, and penitence returned. 
His earnest words within our spirits burned 

And linger still, though now his presence dear 

We see no longer, save with fancy's sight. 

We know "it was not death for him to die"; 

In sweet communion we may feel him nigh, 
Who lives forevermore in realms of light. 

"SPACE IS AS NOTHING TO SPIRIT" 

Distance and time are dividing our spirits by 

phantoms of dread; 
Fears of the future enfold us and visions of 

days that are dead; 
Haunted by memory's magic, our love is far 

dearer than fame; 
"Space is as nothing to spirit," and solitude 

only a name. 



aeonian (Cc{)oe0 155 

Rising from weakness to vigor, our love in its 
anguish is strong; 

Body is conquered by spirit, our lives are at- 
tuned in one song. 

Vainly we limit the power of spirit, though 
fragile our frame — 

"Space is as nothing to spirit," and solitude 
only a name. 

Lightly we carry the fetters of earth we are 
rising above. 

Spirit triumphant o'er matter is lost in an 
Eden of love. 

Distance and Time are as shadows, and Sor- 
row has yielded her claim; 

"Space is as nothing to spirit," and solitude 
only a name. 

Visions of earth and of heaven enthrall us with 

fancies of Hope, 
Pface is descending to bless us, not vainly with 

problems we cope. 
Vanquished we conquer, though parted, in spirit 

forever th^i same — 
'*Space is as nothing to spirit," and solitude 

only a name. 



156 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

"COME THOU TO ME!" 

Come Thou to me in loneliness and grief! 
Away from sacred courts, in weary pain 
I suffer. Hear my prayer! O Lord! again 

Come Thou and give Thy stricken child relief. 

Come Thou to me! My humble thanks I give 
To Thee for countless mercies, Lord of all! 
In spirit low before Thy throne I fall, 

Come Thou in love and bid the sinful live. 

Come Thou to me! dear Lord, I plead to-day 
For others who through pain or grief and 

care 
In holy courts Thy blessings may not share, 

And also hearts which never wish to pray. 

Come Thou to me! Alas! I may not kneel 
With earnest souls before Thy altar-throne. 
No longer sorrowful I weep alone; 

Though racked by pain Thy Presence here I 
feel. 

Come Thou to me ! I will not let Thee go 
Except Thou bless Thy erring, wayward 

child. 
Who now repents, receives Thy mercies mild, 

And finds in Thee a balm for every woe. 



aeonian (Ec{)oe0 157 

Come Thou to me! Now strains of music 
clear 
My spirit thrill, the holy angels' song 
I hear in rapture ; life no more is long 

And sorrowful, but sanctified and dear. 

Come Thou to me! and purify my heart; 
As sweeter far than angels' songs, Thy Voice 
I hear, which bids me evermore rejoice. 

Come Thou, O Blessed Lord ! and ne'er depart. 

"THE ESSENCE OF LIFE IS DIVINE !" 

Infinite mercy, exalting the spirits who suffer 
on earth, 

Casts o'er the anguish of living the hope of a 
future new birth. 

Onward we wander, not blindly, but seeing the 
Master's design; 

Strength is made perfect in weakness, — the es- 
sence of life is divine! 

Brother is seeking for brother, to rescue from 
sorrow and sin ; 

Out of the heat of the battle the victor new 
glories may win — 

Triumph o'er self, and devotion to suffer, yet 
never repine; 

Strength is made perfect in weakness, — the es- 
sence of life is divine! 



158 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

Miracles still to the vision of faith are revealed 
by each day; 

Flowers of hope and of patience unfading are 
found on our way; 

Ask we not vainly of heaven to show to the 
people a sign; 

Strength is made perfect in weakness, — the es- 
sence of life is divine! 

Humbled we turn to the future ; away from the 
love that is slain ; 

Purified love is transfigured, and stronger than 
sorrow or pain ; 

Over the path of repentance the stars of eter- 
nity shine ! 

Strength is made perfect in weakness, — the es- 
sence of life is divine! 

Ever above us, around us, are hovering angels 
of light ; 

Visions of heaven in glory are dawning again 
on our sight ; 

Music celestial is thrilling the hearts that afflic- 
tions refine; 

Strength is made perfect in weakness, — the es- 
sence of life is divine! 



aeonian €cf)oe0 159 



HOW VIOLETS GROW 

Blades of grass, in fairy hands 
Twisted, change to stems of green. 

Then by busy fairy bands 

Dipped in human love are seen. 

Elves are drawing out with care 
Slender stems, with flowers bright. 
Love's own blossoms greet our sight, 

Modest violets, so fair. 

"THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT 
PREVAIL !" 

"The gates of hell shall not prevail" alway 
Against Thy Church. O Lord, to Thee we 
pray! 
May holy peace upon our souls descend; 
Thy Church defend. 

No false and hollow peace our spirits seek ; 
The strong in faith must still protect the weak. 
When leaders fail, to Thee, O Lord, we go. 
Thy love to know! 

The Sacred Scriptures men in vain assail; 
The promises of God can never fail. 

"Lo here is Christ ! lo there !" the sinful cry ; 
Nor know Thee nigh ! 



160 3eonian (Ecftoes? 

"The just by faith" not vainly seek the Lord, 
Forevermore by loving hearts adored. 

When Justice seems cast down, and woes in- 
crease, 
We find Thy peace! 

The saints beneath Thine Altar cry: "How 

long!" 
The right at last must triumph over wrong. 
Our hearts e'en now the victors' shout may 
hear: 
"Our Lord is near!" 

The Church to Thee, O Lord, her voice shall 

raise; 
Above the strife of earth is borne our praise. 
O Victor over sin, the cross, the grave, 
Thy people save ! 

THE MISSION BELL 

O CHILDREN, hear the mission bell! 
At noon it calls our hearts to prayer 
For those who heavy crosses bear 

In heathen lands, the love to tell 

Of Him Who died, "The Lord is King! 
All nations shall before Him bow." 
With thankful hearts we echo now 

Thy tones, sweet bells, in triumph ring! 



aeonian (Bthot^ lei 

O PERFECT DAY 

O PERFECT day ! when you and I 
Together roved, the cloudless sky 
Above us burned; all nature sang 
Of love and life; the echoes rang 
To thrill anew each raptured heart, 
And earth of heaven seemed a part. 

O perfect day ! no blossoms rare 
May ever seem to me so fair 
As those you gave with smile and tear 
To me, my saddened life to cheer. 
No longer lonely, sweet, with you 
The mystery of life I knew. 

O perfect day! you loved me then. 
'Tis past, yet rapture lives again. 
The cloudless sky above us burns ; 
My heart, no longer lonely, yearns 
For you, my own ; in fancy still 
Your tender words my spirit thrill, 

O perfect day! nor pain nor death 
May chill thy love with icy breath. 
'Tis vain to speak to me of trust, 
And say the heart I love is dust. 
Though nevermore on earth we meet. 
One day we lived together, sweet! 



162 aieonian (gcftoeg 

GOD, HIS CHILDREN DEAR DEFEND- 
ING 

God, His children dear defending, 
Sends His messengers of light; 

Angel forms above them bending. 

Guard His lambs throughout the night. 

Naught can harm them or confound them. 

Evil spirits take their flight. 
Angel forms, above, around them. 

Guard the children through the night. 



LOVE AND YOUTH TOGETHER 
STRAYED 

Love and Youth together strayed 
Over mountain path and glade; 
Passing on with laugh and jest. 
Earth their radiant presence blessed. 

Ugly Age a-begging came. 
Bowed by weight of years and shame. 
Scornful Youth has turned aside; 
Love rebukes his comrade's pride. 

Love has stopped, with gentle word. 
Alms to give ; the beggar heard ; 
Then replied: "I thank thee. Love; 
Youth alone on earth may rove." 



aeonian (Bcbotsi i63 

Love deserted Youth in wrath, — 
Joined the beggar on his path. 
Humbled, sadly Youth alone 
Wanders on, with tear and moan. 

Brighter flashed the summer day; 
Love illumined all the way. 
Age and Love together passed; 
Earth an Eden seemed at last. 

O'er the beggar's face a change 
Swiftly came; 'twas wondrous strange! 
Wisdom smiled again on Love, 
Guiding on to heights above. 

A DREAM OF LOVE 

The earth was ne'er so beautiful as now. 
By love transfigured; shades of grief and 

pain 
Are banished; hope and youth in triumph 
reign; 
I only hear thy voice, thy solemn vow 

Of love and trust my spirit echoes, sweet! 

The birds may sing; I hear no songs but 
thine 

To thrill my raptured dreams in tones divine. 
Thy radiant youth the blossoms seem to greet 



164 aeonian (Ccftoes; 

In fragrant homage; on through fairyland 
We stray together, lost in dreams of love, 
Nor envy angels' bliss in worlds above, 

As Nature now unfolds her wonders grand. 

The past is dead, but oh! how wondrous fair 
The present dawns upon our dreams of bliss ! 
As merry children stray, with smile and kiss 

We wander far away from grief and care. 

The earth, the sky, the sea unite to sing 

Of love; our souls entranced, at last may 

hear 
And understand the strains so sweet and 
clear 
That through the passing ages ever ring. 

TENNYSON 

SoEROw taught the poet how to sing. 

Earth, her honors heaped upon his name, 
Gave him all she had to give of fame, 

Brother poets gladly hailed him king. 

Still he labored on with earnest heart, 

Growing wiser, dreaming nobler dreams, 
Soaring far above the sordid schemes 

Gold devised, and lived for God and Art. 



aeonian OBcftoeg i65 

Nature smiled upon a son so true, 

Treasures rich revealed in mother-love; 
Brighter burned the radiant skies above, 

Every flower breathed a message new. 

Art her lustre shed upon his brow, 

Art and Nature were at strife no more. 
Reconciled in him who bravely bore 

Years of toil to keep the poet's vow. 

"INCENSE SHALL BE OFFERED!" 

Accept, O Lord, our prayer, to-day 
As clouds of incense fill the air. 

Our hearts to Thee their homage pay. 
Accept, O Lord, our prayer! 

Within Thy temple. Lord, again 
We see the holy incense rise. 

Thy people cleanse from every stain, 
Accept our sacrifice! 

We offer, Lord, the homage now 
Thy chosen flock in olden days 

As tribute gave, and humbly bow ; 
Accept, O Lord, our praise! 

Like adoration purified. 

The incense floating far above! 

We ask, and shall not be denied. 
Accept, O Lord, our love! 



166 aeonian ©cftoe^ 

THE GUARDIAN ANGEL 

An angel form each child attends, 

By night or day, 

At work or play. 
The child from harm his guide defends. 

To save the child from every snare, 

To comfort, cheer. 

Is ever near 
An angel form, divinely fair. 



YOU LOVED ME, DEAR! 

You loved me, dear, the earth was fair. 
All Nature sang of Love and Life. 
My heart forgot its weary strife, 
No more oppressed by grief and care. 

You loved me, dear, and thoughts of gold. 
All petty aims were charmed away, 
A purer air I breathed each day 
I saw your noble life unfold. 

You loved me, dear, in Paradise 
I seemed to live, I only knew 
Because you lived my heart was true. 
I envied not the rich or wise. 



aeonian OBcftoeg i67 

I lost myself in you, my own, 

Yet loved my God the more that I 

His image saw reflected by 

My darling, though 'twas faintly shown. 

You loved me, dear, no parting now 
Can rob my soul of memory. 
Again the face I love, I see. 
Again I hear your solemn vow. 

SING ONCE AGAIN 

Sing once again! Did love or grief, my own, 
Thy beauty teach to sing? or bliss untold 
Thy spirit pure in fancies fair unfold? 

Yet oft thy music strikes a minor tone. 

Sing once again, in thrilling tones of love. 
The song that haunts my spirit's sweetest 

dreams ; 
Again thy radiant beauty o'er me gleams ; 

An angel dost thou seem from heights above. 

Sing once again! My weary heart and brain. 
Refreshed, respond to strains so wondrous 

sweet : 
All thought of earth is lost; the moments 
fleet 
Unheeded pass, and grief's undying pain 



168 aeonian (Bthot$ 

Is hushed to silence: Sweet, upon thy brow, 
Methinks a halo shines, as far away 
Thy music echoes ! Linger, love, I pray ; 

My raptured heart has found an Eden now! 

THE EGYPTIAN MUMMY 

A woman's graceful form before us lies — 
A slender maiden. Characters in gold 
Her virtues, beauty, ancestry, have told. 

The light of love once flashed within her eyes, 

Now staring; lips so dumb a lover's kiss 
Once touched. 'Twas long ago as Phar- 
aoh's dream 
The maiden lived and loved; her life to deem 

So sweet, till death destroyed her earthly bliss. 

The scent of richest spices, strong and sweet. 
That through the ages keep their secret well, 
Upon us steals. No one is left to tell 

How they were used to save, from head to feet, 

The corpse from swift decay. A mournful 
smile 

Upon the upturned face is still impressed. 

But Science would not let the body rest. 
And bore it far away from where the Nile 



aeonfan (JEcftoes! leo 



Is flowing. Egypt's princess, once so fair, 
Is gazed upon by all. Alas for pride 
Of birth and majesty! Now side by side 

With other forms less great, a wonder rare. 

The maiden lies, who once in regal state 

Was veiled from public gaze. Poor triumph 

torn 
By love from death, to save the body worn ! 

To turn to dust, methinks, a better fate! 

EASTER LESSONS 

Out of the shadow of death, from its gloom to 

the glory of life, 
Christ in His majesty rose. All the anguish 

of earth and its strife 
Thrilled with an infinite yearning the heart of 

the Saviour Divine, 
Thirsting for souls and fulfilling, as ever, His 

Father's design. 

Humble and poor He had labored, the souls of 

His people to save; 
Praying for them, interceding. His life as a 

sacrifice gave; 
Human, not less than Divine, yet the snares of 

temptation and sin 
Vainly assailed Him Who triumphed that we 

in the struggle might win. 



170 aeoitfan OEcftoe^ 

Taking our nature upon Him, to glorify man 

evermore, 
Pleasing not self, in devotion our weakness, 

though perfect. He bore. 
Feeling our Saviour is human, and never His 

own will despise, 
We, from the sins that beset us, to "newness of 

life" may arise. 

Out of the shadow of death our Redeemer in 

majesty rose. 
We in His glory may triumph, o'ercoming the 

worst of our foes ; 
Hoping that these, our weak bodies, may rise 

at the last from the tomb. 
Body and spirit united and, glorified, waiting 

their doom. 

Lord, in the day of our judgment. Thy chil- 
dren by faith may appeal 

Humbly to Thee in Thy human, though per- 
fected, nature to feel 

Love and compassion. The pardoned in rap- 
ture Thy presence will see. 

Rising at last through Thy power, to dwell in 
the heavens with Thee! 



aeonian (Btbot^ 171 

I LOVE THEE, DEAREST! 

I LOVE thee, dearest! Nature sighs thy name. 
The weeping skies, the dull autumnal day 
No cloud upon my spirit cast, alway 

I live within thy presence. Sorrow came 

In somber garb, yet found no dwelling place — 
And dared not linger while a minstrel young. 
The god of love, his fairy harp unstrung — 

But shrank away from Love's ethereal grace. 

I love thee, dearest ! sorrow left a charm 
In passing which ennobles fairer days. 
My heart is ever singing thankful praise 

Of thee. No more the cruel world can harm 

The life which thou hast glorified; in vain 
The sea of death divides, thy beauty still, 
Thy radiant presence, now my heart may 
thrill 

In memory that seems akin to pain. 

I love thee, dearest! smile upon me now 

From out of shadows dim ! Through dis- 
tance drear 
I see thy face, the eyes which shed no tear 

As light immortal shines upon thy brow. 



172 aeonian Ccftoe^ 

THE LESSON OF THE IVY 

Wheee a building, carved with master hand, 
Rose in grandeur, grew the ivy green; 
Twined about the stones the plant was seen, 

Fairer than designs the artist planned. 
Nature gave to Art a beauty rare, 
Till the structure seemed beyond compare. 

Frail the ivy seemed, yet stronger grew; 
Through the cracks it slowly forced its way. 
Loosened stones by pressure, till one day 

Came the builder. All the harm he knew 
That the plant was working; soon a stone. 
Falling down by ivy freed, alone. 

Would the building mar. The vine he tore 
From its shelter, that no further harm 
Might be wrought; and yet a wondrous 
charm 

Faded with the ivy, nevermore 

Proudly to adorn the structure great, 
Crushed and broken by a cruel fate. 

What may seem so frail is often strong. 
Evil may be scarcely understood, 
Till its power overcomes the good. 

Right may rise in strength to conquer wrong; 
Working like the graceful vine, at length. 
Patience shall attain prevailing strength. 



3eonian (Bchot^ 173 

"O, GIVE US NOW REPOSE !" 

O, GIVE US now repose! dear Lord, the day 
With all its toil and sin hath passed away. 
O, bid temptations from Thy servants flee! 
Our spirits only find repose in Thee. 

O, give us now repose! in palace great, 
Or humbler homes, do Thou regard our state, 
That blinded eyes Thy "Love divine" may see: 
Our spirits only find repose in Thee. 

O, give us now repose! in grief and pain 
We turn with faith to Thee for help again. 
From deep distress and doubt Thy children 

free: 
Our spirits only find repose in Thee. 

O, give us now repose ! the peace divine 
That earth can never give, for we are Thine. 
That calm "in midst of strife" our hearts may 

be: 
Our spirits only find repose in Thee. 

O, give us now repose ! be this our cry 
When dreaded death at last is drawing nigh. 
That through the ages of eternity. 
Our rescued spirits may repose in Thee. 



174 aeoniatt dEcftoes 

"FEED MY LAMBS!" 

"Lov'sT thou me?" the Saviour lowly 
Asked of one in days of old, 
Oft the story sweet is told. 

"Feed my lambs !" said Christ the Holy. 

"Feed my lambs !" we hear the pleading 

Voice of Jesus cry to-day. 

Gladly, loving hearts obey, 
Thus the Church the lambs is feeding. 



THE PROMISE OF THE FUTURE 

"Ah, could I live my life again!" we say, 
Forgetting all the flowers on our way. 
The Present, rich in promise, fair and sweet, 
And careless, crush our hopes beneath our feet. 

"Ah, could I live the happy past again!" 
The cry rings out in thrilling tones of pain. 
"Nor Time, nor Death again my heart would 

break. 
Ambition, love, not vainly all would stake." 

How weak the coward heart that longing cries 
For what in pity "Love divine" denies. 
The Present crowned with glory is our own, 
Nor do we face the coming years alone. 



aeonian dBcftoe^ 175 

"No star was ever lost we once have seen." 
Our weary feet shall roam through pastures 

green 
"Beside still waters," Love divine our guide, 
At last our spirits shall be satisfied. 



THE BLIND ORGANIST 

The organist, so young, yet old in care 
Is blind, yet never yields to dark despair. 
In dreams alone of years forever fled 
"The light of other days is o'er him shed." 

Do angels sing to him of light divine .-^ 
So meekly doth his heart the hopes resign 
Of eager youth, as lonely, day by day 
Through life he falters on his darkened way. 

We gaze in awe on that angelic face; 
He thrills his listeners by mournful grace, 
As with caressing touch the organ-keys 
He wakes, his spirit lost in harmonies. 

O saddened heart, away with doubt and fear! 
The tenderness of friends is ever near 
To light thy path, a holy guide to be, 
The love of God forever shines on thee. 



176 aeonian (gcftoeg 

THE WORLD— THEN AND NOW 

Methinks 'twas on a perfect day like this, 
The Great Creator, looking on His work. 
Declared it good; beheld the new-born world. 
Fresh from His forming hand, as pure as 

heaven. 
O holy age! e'er sin and sorrow came 
To dim Thy glory. O beloved World! 
Though steeped in crime thy beauty thrills our 

hearts. 
Forever lost primeval innocence; 
Though fallen, yet redeemed by love divine. 
To eyes not holden thou art lovely still. 

THE WAY OF PENITENCE 

Strength to the sinner is given the crown of 
the righteous to win ; 

Guided by angels, though tempted, we turn 
from the pleasures of sin. 

Praying for help, and believing we aid in our 
Maker's design: 

Over the path of repentance the stars of eter- 
nity shine. 

Blessings on us, though unworthy, are showered 

in answer to prayer; 
"Come unto Me," is the message that lightens 

our burden of care. 



aeonian (gcftoeg m 

"Rest I will give you," refreshment is ours in 
the manna divine: 

Over the path of repentance the stars of eter- 
nity shine. 

Courage to suffer is given, our sacrifice is not 
in vain ; 

Angels of mercy and comfort are near us in 
sorrow and pain. 

Humbled and chastened by anguish, our lesson 
is ne'er to repine: 

Over the path of repentance the stars of eter- 
nity shine. 

Fair as the blossoms of Eden, the flowers that 
never decay, 

Patience and Hope, ever fragrant, are bloom- 
ing to cheer us each day. 

Penitence deepens, we gladly our selfish ambi- 
tions resign : 

Over the path of repentance the stars of eter- 
nity shine. 

Fountains in deserts are flowing, the wilderness 
blooms as the rose; 

Honored by faith and devotion, the Cross in 
its majesty glows. 

Love and Forgiveness endure, though nations 
may rise and decline: 

Over the path of repentance the stars of eter- 
nity shine. 



178 aeonian (iBcfaoeg 

AT EVENTIDE 

As slowly fades the light, 

To Thee, dear Lord, Thy children bring 
Their praise, a humble offering. 

And ask protection through the night. 

May evil thoughts depart. 

The hasty speech, the unkind word, 
No more from children's lips be heard, 

But love for Christ enrich each heart. 

THE GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE 

Beloved Luke, well named, we honor thee! 
The sacred story of the cross thy pen 
Hath traced in rays of light for fallen men ; 

The great "light-giver," thou ordained to be ! 

The ox thy symbol, since of sacrifice 

Thy writings chiefly speak — the great High 

Priest 
We learn of thee to worship at His Feast, 

While upward to the cross we raise our eyes. 

The music of these chants thou dost record, 
In many hearts have found their echoes 

sweet ; 
While children's lips, in love, those words 
repeat. 
Thus drawing nearer to Our Blessed Lord. 



aeonian (Bchot^ 179 

When others failed, thou wast found faithful 
still ; 
And as we look on thine inspired page, 
We learn of thee, e'en in this far-off age. 

The one true aim, to do Our Master's will. 

WHEN I AM DEAD 

When I am dead, 
Come thou and look upon my narrow bed, 
And say: "This broken heart hath loved me 

well. 
The depths of deep devotion who can tell?" 
So words of kindness only shall be said 

When I am dead. 

When I am dead. 
Some bitter tears at last thy love may shed. 
Affection vainly longed for now, shall wake, 
Forgiving all my faults for love's sweet sake. 
Thy heart will dream of days forever fled 

When I am dead. 

When I am dead. 
Come to my grave, though by compassion led! 
The flowers, life and youth have sought in vain, 
Do thou in pity scatter o'er the slain. 
With hard-won laurels deck my narrow bed 

When I am dead. 



180 aeonian (IBcl)oe0 

"NATURE'S SWEET RESTORER" 

As one aweary of the strife 
And resting from the cares of life, 
So may I sink from sleep to sleep, 
No more regretful tears to weep. 
But rise in dreams to heights above. 
And wander on through realms of love. 



THE STRATFORD ELMS 

WONDROUS trees ! 
Whose branches flutter in the summer breeze 
That sighs of love for you, of autumn days 
Now drawing near, that sings to you its praise ; 
How scornful seemed your majesty of yore! 
The mystery of life your beauty bore. 
O kingly trees! that gaze on man below. 
On all life's changes, happiness and woe! 
You calmly saw the generations die. 
And proudly pointed upward to the sky! 

You hide your secrets well! 
No tales of other days your branches tell 
Of lovers' vows who sought your friendly 

shade ; 
Of how the hunted stag o'er hill and glade 
Rushed to your shelter, wounded, sank at last 
To die, half hidden. Tales of winter's blasts. 



aeonian (Bthot^ isi 

Of summer's drought, your sleeplessness sub- 
lime 

Might tell; yet vainly you have vanquished 
time, 

For soon a doom as dread as man's own fate 

To dust shall level all your power great! 

A lesson sad and stem 

solemn trees ! the feeling heart may learn ; 
For now, alas ! the trace of swift decay 
Your beauty mars, so soon to pass away; 
Like man to die, yet not in life divine 

To live again, like man! To him resign 
Your power! Man at last your victor strong 
Shall strike you down, and e'en in story, song, 
To man alone you owe a fleeting fame, 
Who sings the story of your pride and shame! 

THE SACRED PICTURE 

1 LOOKED upon a picture of the Christ, 
That strangely seemed to me, alone, apart. 
Although 'mid wonders rare of every kind. 

I saw what North and South, the East and 

West 
Had given : treasures rare that gen'rous Art 
And Science gladly gathered, yet methought 
No gorgeous trophies from barbaric lands 
Or Culture's finer gifts had grace to charm 



182 aeonian ®cf)oe0 

My weary spirit; but again I turned 

To gaze upon a picture of the Christ. 

The cruel agony of coming death 

Not yet has dimmed the beauty of the eyes 

That look upon a mocking, sinful world 

With love divine. The strength of early youth 

In Him is glorified, Who, raptured, sees 

Beyond relentless grief, the cross and shame, 

That draw so near. Perchance His gaze 

divine 
Has pierced the veil that ever hangs between 
This world and heaven; wondrous triumph now 
His face illumines ; all the myriad sins 
Of anguished earth no fatal power hold 
To tear from Him the sacred peace that falls 
Upon His spirit, e'er enfolding Him! 

THROUGH THE DAY I SOUGHT MY 
LORD 

Through the day I sought my Lord, 
Sought in vain, and sad at heart, 

All my love for him outpoured. 
In the Church or in the mart. 

'Mid the sick and poor I passed. 
Nor beheld His Presence near. 

Evening shadows fell at last. 

Found me crushed by doubt and fear. 



aeonian (Bcbot^ iss 

Hark! A voice that soothes my pain, 

All my anguish dies away; 
"Child thy toil was not in vain, 

I was with thee all the day." 

Then my spirit stronger grew, 

Drudgery became divine, 
"Lord thy love I never knew. 

Day or night forever mine." 

With the eye of faith I see 

Christ Who ne'er deserts His own; 

Through its toil and misery 
Life will lead me to His throne. 



MY LOST HOPE CAME TO ME 

I HEARD the angels singing, sweet the dream, 
Methought the night was steeped in harmony ; 
I saw the myriad stars above me gleam. 
And from the shores of love's unfathomed 
sea 
My lost Hope came to me. 

O radiant Hope of Youth, so wondrous fair, 
Again thy beauty shone, my light to be. 

The past no more was darkened by despair, 
Enthralling once again, majestic, free, 
My lost Hope came to me! 



184 aeonian ©cftoes; 

I looked on her, forgetting time and space, 

Ambition's disappointment, naught but she 
My heart beheld; again angelic grace 

My spirit charmed — all doubt and shadows 
flee 
When Hope returns to me! 

Lo ! while I gazed, the wreath of roses white 
Upon her brow was fading — fainter grew 

The vision I adored, the cruel night 

Her form enshrouded, all my loss I knew — 
My hope was false, not true! 

The night was lonely ; still the deathless past 
Was mine, I saw a ghostly company 

Of pains and pleasures borne upon the blast ; 
They flitted by ; alas, no more I see 
My Hope return to me! 



DEUS REGNAT 

"God's in His heaven— All's right with the world." 

— Robert Browning. 



God reigns and all is well! 
No sparrow falls, no flower lives its day 
Without His loving care that guards alway. 

Who shall His wonders tell? 



aeonian (gcftoeg i85 

n 

God reigns and all is well! 
The stream of living water ever flows, 
The wilderness shall blossom as the rose. 

Love conquers death and hell. 

in 

God reigns and all is well! 
His love accepts His children's sacrifice, 
To blend with angel-tones our praises rise. 

Our songs of triumph swell. 

IV 

God reigns and all is well! 
None ask in vain for help to bear the cross. 
The poverty of life, the pain and loss. 

The solemn passing-bell 



Of youthful hopes, their knell 
Rings in our hearts ; yet love and mercy sweet 
In benediction make our lives complete. 

God reigns and all is well ! 



186 aeonian (2cf)oe0 

"THE GREAT WHITE FATHER!" 

In memory of the late President McKinley. 

One by one, with faces stern, severe, 

Walked the Indians by the casket grim 

Of the "Great White Father," on his bier 
Each a flower laid; no eyes were dim 

With the tears they scorned, yet true their 
grief. 

Drenched in rain they all had waited long 
Silently their turn, that seemed too brief. 

On his face to look, their "Father" strong! 

Could that face so wan, refined by pain. 
Be the face of him they loved so well? 

When they turned aside to wind, and rain, 
Nature's tears their sorrow seemed to tell. 

Humble tributes to the Indians' grief 

Lay the flowers on the "Father's" breast, 

Told their mourning for a life too brief, 
Broken here, renewed among the blest. 

"Great White Father," sweet thy memory ! 

Idol of a nation's hope and love ! 
Torn from us no more our guide to be, 

Thou hast passed from death to life above ! 



aeonian aBcj)oe0 isr 

"WE SAILED AWAY!" 

We sailed away, my love and I, 
O'er shining seas ; the cloudless sky 
Above us gleamed, and Cupid fair 
Our vessel steered with tender care. 
Youth divine! O happy day! 
When merrily we sailed away! 

We sailed away with sigh and smile. 
To seek in vain a magic isle; 
Afar from endless toil and strife 
To find in love alone our life. 
Our songs reechoed o'er the bay, 
As joyfully we sailed away. 

We found no land that toil and pain 
Had not invaded; home again 
We sailed, the common lot to bear. 
No more to shrink from toil and care, 
No more upon the shining bay 
So carelessly to sail away. 

And oft again we seem to hear 
The voice of Cupid, sweet and clear. 
Who sang the sweetest song of all 
To hold our youthful hearts in thrall. 
Again we list to Love's own lay. 
Again, in dreams, we sail away ! 



188 aeonian dBcftoesi 

"THOU ART AN ANGEL WITH A VOICE 
DIVINE" 

Entrancing strains my raptured heart rejoice, 
As in a dream I hear thy perfect voice. 

sing of love! My heart is ever thine, 
"Thou art an angel with a voice divine." 

1 oft have heard the wondrous nightingale. 
Whose song of love rings out o'er hill and dale ; 
Yet naught compares with thee, forever mine, 
"Thou art an angel with a voice divine." 

I turn from all to look upon thy face. 
Thy radiant beauty conquers me, thy grace. 
Above all mortals thou shalt ever shine, 
"Thou art an angel with a voice divine." 

Thy tenderness hath banished grief and pain, 
When thou art near, my hope revives again. 
No longer lonely shall my heart repine, 
"Thou art an angel with a voice divine." 

Thy strains angelic thrill me day by day. 
Be this my hope to light me on my way. 
That when the bliss and grief of life are past 
Thy voice shall guide me into heav'n at last. 



aeonian (Oc!)oe0 i89 

"GOD LOOKETH DOWN ALWAY !" 

God looketh down alway but ne'er in scorn 
Upon His children from His lofty throne. 
A loving Father ever guards His own, 

Who pities them and "comforts all that 



He sheds upon our lives the love and peace 
Our hearts in earthly hopes have vainly 

sought. 
The wicked are converted, wonders wrought 

By Him Who bids the storms of passion cease. 

God looketh down alway, the curse of greed 
For gold His might shall punish; now the 

strong 
Oppress the weak, whose cry goes up, "How 
long!" 
His mercy hears, supplies His children's need. 

The mystery of life not understood, 
Bewildered oft we falter on our way. 
Nor look beyond to Love's eternal day. 

We cry, "The evil overcomes the good!" 

Until the scales have fallen from our eyes. 
We see, revealed in part, our Lord's design. 
As many griefs at last our hearts refine 

We know that clouds are veiling sunny skies. 



190 gieonian aEc!)oe0 

God lookcth down alway ! the faintest breath 
His love created, none too helpless, weak, 
For Love Divine, omnipotent to seek. 

Triumphant over sorrow, sin and death. 

"0 CAST ME NOT AWAY" 

"Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not 
Thy Holy Spirit from me." Psalm li, 11. 

If I from weakness oft have turned from Thee, 
In love, forgive, dear Lord, my spirit free 
From taint of sin, restored by Thee and blest; 
Afar from Thee my spirit finds no rest. 
O, cast me not away! My faith revive, 
Nor let Thy Holy Spirit cease to strive. 

No earthly hope, however strong and sweet. 
The life of one who loves Thee makes complete. 
The spirit sighs for Thee, nor longs in vain 
For promised comfort, help in toil and pain. 
O, cast me not away! Thou, dearest Lord, 
For me, upon the cross, Thy Blood outpoured. 

Take not Thy Holy Spirit from Thy child; 
Alone I dare not wander through the wild, 
The hidden dangers on my thorny path. 
Regard my prayers, avert Thy righteous 

wrath ! 
O, cast me not away ! no more to seek 
Thy Presence ! Lord, have mercy on the weak ! 



aeonian OBcftoe^ i9i 

When life is dark, the echoes sweet and clear 
Of angels' songs my spirit seems to hear; 
But sweeter still I hope to hear Thy Voice 
At last, dear Lord, where ransomed souls re- 
joice. 
O, cast me not away! But chasten me, 
That ever in Thy Presence I may be. 

"GOD TEMPERS THE WIND TO THE 
SHORN LAMB" 

A LAMB, bewildered, through the darkness 

came. 

The rain fell fast and fiercely raged the gale ; 

The loving Shepherd guards His creatures 

frail. 

And through the shadows gently calls his name. 

The lamb was guided by the voice so kind; 

New strength revived its feeble limbs again. 

It bravely struggled on through night and 
rain, 
No longer shrinking from the stinging wind. 

That Holy Voice that calmed the storm of old, 
On Galilee, these winds so wild obeyed. 
At His command they spared the lamb that 
strayed ; 
Unscathed, though shorn, at last it reached the 
fold. 



192 aeonian fficftoe^ 

Through doubt and gloom of night a spirit 
came, 
Temptations pressing sore, through tempest 

wild, 
Which threatened to o'erwhelm the shrinking 
child 
Of God, that passed unharmed through sin and 
shame. 

The spirit heard the Shepherd's voice above 
That called His child, that bade the storm 

be still. 
And meekly passing on to learn His will. 

At last was gathered to the fold of love. 

Through doubt and fear we pass, but not alone. 

We hear the Shepherd's voice, though 
storms may rage ; 

We feel His Presence near in youth and age. 
O Shepherd great, forever shield Thine own. 

THE DESERT FLOWER 

'Mid the desert's burning waste of sand, 

Where the streamlet flowed, a flower grew; 
Lonely, yet no other life it knew. 

None with loving care its beauty scanned; 
Sweeter rose the fragrance, day by day, 
Man, unheeding, passed upon his way. 



aeonian OEcftoes; 193 



Arabs lingered by the cooling stream, 
Never saw the modest flower's bloom. 
Was neglect of all to be its doom? 

Useless then to all its life would seem. 
Life is mystery, but "Love Divine" 
Never errs, though veiled the wise design. 

Came a wanderer, exhausted, faint. 
Thirsting sank upon the sand to die. 
Near the careless stream that trickled by. 

Heeding not the fallen chief's complaint. 

Stronger grew the flower's fragrance sweet, 
Bore to him who suffered, welcome meet. 

Life revived within his feeble frame, 
Roused again, he slowly crept along. 
Guided by the blossom's perfume strong. 

Saved at last, to find the stream he came. 
When his thirst was quenched, how sweet his 

rest! 
While in dreams the blossom fair he blessed. 

Earth, alas! has many virtues rare 
Man neglects in eager search for gold. 
Never marks as petals bright unfold 

Lives that blossom into flower fair. 
Virtue's beauty never can be lost. 
Sorrow sanctifies "at bitter cost." 



194 aeonian (Btbots 

Heart neglected 'mid this earthly strife, 
All unselfish, comfort others' woes. 
Till "the desert blossom as the rose." 

Sweet the fragrance of a noble life ! 

Where the streams refresh the soul of man, 
Thus fulfill thy part of God's great plan! 

GOD'S IMAGE 

In childhood, youth — 
The image of our God is never lost 
Through life, e'en when the soul is tempest- 
tossed, 

Far from the truth. 

Our love may seek 
A hidden shrine in every erring soul 
Though fallen in the race, far from his goal. 

Not wholly weak. 

Though marred each line, 
Ofttimes the image of our God we trace 
In saint or sinner, yea, in every face 

We see the sign. 

In many lives, 
Though wrecked in fortune, crushed by sin 

and shame, 
A hope that we could fan into a flame 

Through love survives. 



aeonian OBcboes 195 

"HOW SWEET HIS REST!" 

Inscribed to the memory of the late Rt. Rev. Leighton 
Coleman, Bishop of Delaware. 

How sweet his rest who spent his noble life 
In work for others ! 'Mid the toil and strife 
He ever bore the Cross's banner high, 
And taught the sinner how to live and die. 

How sweet his rest ! Our bishop, father too ! 
Where others failed, always so kind and true. 
Our memories of him, the leader strong, 
Shall linger like the strains of sweetest song, 

Or like the fragrance of the flowers fair 
He loved so well. Then let us not despair. 
How sweet his rest in that blest Paradise 
To which we ever lift our longing eyes ! 

How sweet his rest! The sorrows bravely 

borne 
Are over now. No more his heart shall mourn 
For loved ones gone before. On him the light 
More brightly shines, and faith is lost in sight. 

How sweet his rest ! And we who labor still. 
Like him may learn our duties to fulfill ; 
Like him may work for Christ, the sad to cheer. 
Until the glad "Well done!" our souls shall 
hear. 



196 aeonian dgcftoeg 

TO WASHINGTON 

O NOBLE Washington ! no statue rare, 
No tribute of an ever grateful state 
Erected to thy name is half so great 

As love and tenderness that myriads bear 

Toward thee, the first in peace and first in war. 
Where'er the radiant stars and stripes shall 

wave, 
Thou, who from peril didst thy country save, 

Shall be revered and honored evermore. 

Yet while thy countrymen their tribute bring. 
Fair wreaths to lay upon thy tomb, afar 
The nations hail the light of freedom's star. 

Their praise of thee through centuries shall 
ring! 

AWAKE, MY SOUL, TO-DAY! 

Awake, my soul, to-day ! 
Awake from sin and sloth and cast away 
All evil thoughts, thy Saviour bids thee rise 
To newer life, "Press onward to the skies !" 

Awake, my soul ! at last 
The festal day succeeds the Lenten fast; 
Not vainly Christ for us was crucified; 
Awake and sing the praise of Him Who died. 



aeonian (Bchot^ 197 

Awake, my soul, and live 
In Christ! Thy love to all thy brethren give. 
The risen Saviour bids His children seek 
The sinful, fallen ; help the poor and weak. 

Awake, my soul, awake ! 
The Holy Feast for thee is spread, partake 
In humble love and fear ! Again rejoice 
To hail the Easter Day with heart and voice. 

Awake, my soul, and sing! 
With men and angels join, thy tribute bring. 
Till earth shall echo heaven's sweetest strain. 
Awake, my soul, the Saviour lives again ! 

THE CHRIST-CHILD'S OUTSTRETCHED 
HANDS 

"The most touching of all pictures of the Madonna and 
Child, is the one in which the Child, seated on His mother's 
knees, stretches out His little arms to bless the world, and 
appeals to it for love." 

On His mother's knee, aroused from sleep, 
Jesus stretches out His arms, in love. 
Blessing all the world as from above ; 

Angels fly, a holy guard to keep. 

Wondrous Child of power, love, and might, 
Born to triumph over Death and Sin, 
Soon for Thee a conflict shall begin. 

Now the waiting world is filled with light. 



198 aeonian (lBcl)oe0 

See His gentle mother gazing now 

Sadlj on His face. Did coming woe 
Fill her heart with fear? And could she 
know 

Thorns at last must crown the Saviour's brow? 

Still the Holy Child, in love divine, 

Stretches out His arms ; no shade of gloom 
Dims His beauty now ; the Cross and tomb 

Seem afar, though part of God's design. 

Still the picture rare the nations see. 

Still His arms outstretched in mute appeal 
Ask the love our souls, repentant, feel, 

While His beauty shines on you and me. 

RING OUT SWEET CHIMES! 

On the Chimes of the General Theological Seminary, 
New York City, so often heard by me. 

Ring out, sweet chimes, as dawns the day! 
And call our hearts to praise and prayer. 
Again the Blessed Feast to share. 

To comfort us, and be our stay. 

A little later ring the bells 

For matins, music sweet is heard. 

By hymns and chants the heart is stirred. 

And prayer our wish for guidance tells. 



aeonian dEcftoeg 199 

Ring out, sweet chimes, as sinks the sun ! 

And tell of peace that follows strife. 

A little pause we find in life 
For prayer and praise when day is done. 



"O YE OF LITTLE FAITH! WHY WILL 
YE DIE?" 



The God of love and peace is always nigh, 
And sorrow teaches us to do His will. 
The sinner hears the Saviour's "Peace, be 
still! 

O ye of little faith! why will ye die.?" 

II 

Our every act, the hidden grief and sigh. 
Our pain and bliss alike to God are dear, 
The love that calls thee ever, sinner, hear, 

"O ye of little faith! why will ye die.?" 

Ill 

The angels gladly at His bidding fly, 

The winds and waves His mandate stern 

obey. 
We too must serve who hear the Saviour say, 

"O ye of little faith! why will ye die.?" 



200 aeottian dBcfioes: 

IV 

How oft we ask in stubborn sorrow why 

The storms are raging ever round our path. 
We hear a voice that calms our spirits' 
wrath : 

"O ye of little faith! why will ye die?" 



O God ! Thy love hath heard Thy children's cry, 
Though tempests rage our refuge is in Thee. 
Again we hear the Saviour's loving plea: 

"O ye of little faith! why will ye die?" 



"HE, BEING DEAD, YET SPEAKETH!" 

To the memory of the Rt. Rev. Leighton Coleman, late 
Bishop of Delaware. It was said of him by one of his 
friends: "It is impossible to know him and not try to be 
good." 

The voice we loved so well is silent now. 
But memory still hears its music sweet ; 
His message of good will our hearts repeat; 

He speaks though dead, we do not question how. 

None cried for help in vain, no tear of grief 
Unheeded fell when he was near to bless 
And comfort others in their sore distress. 

It was his joy to give the poor relief. 



aeonian (Ecl)oe0 201 

No bitterness should mingle with our tears, 
The blessing we so oft have heard him say 
Is on us now, upon our homeward way; 

The love that always shared our hopes and 
fears. 

It was not death for him to die, whose faith 
Ne'er faltered to the last. In gentle sleep 
He passed away. May God his spirit keep, 

So strong in life, so beautiful in death! 

THE SINGER'S MESSAGE 

I HAVE a message that in sacred song 

My heart delivers ; oft its cadence sweet 
My burdened spirit scarcely can repeat. 

So bitter is my sense of earthly wrong. 

That fainter grow mine accents, yet I know 
However weak my words, that I alone 
This message may deliver. 'Tis my own 

Since God commissioned me through weal or 
woe 

To sing His glory from my loving heart. 
To give my noblest, best, in life's brief 

span. 
I, though so feeble, in His wondrous plan 
Through praise of Him may bear a sacred 
part. 



202 Etonian (Bcbot$ 

"WHEN ROSES BLOOM" 

When roses bloom their fragrance rare 

Is wafted on the Summer air; 

To me, mj queen, your message sweet 
My heart enthralls: my lips repeat 

Your name that charms away despair. 

At last, my own, you grant my prayer; 
Our love has banished grief and care; 
For us the moments are too fleet 
When roses bloom. 

No blossoms are so wondrous fair 
As those that grace my lady's hair, 
Or cluster on her breast; I greet 
My love afar. We soon shall meet 
To part no more, our lives to share. 
When roses bloom. 



THE CHRISTMAS ROSE 



Afar in Palestine, where Christ was bom, 

A legend tells, there blooms a wondrous rose. 
On Christmas Eve. No other flower grows 

So fair as that which greets the Christmas 
morn. 



aeonian dBcboejs 203 



It blossomed first when Christ was born. So 
sweet 
Its fragrance, all in wonder paused to see 
The radiant flower fraught with mystery ; 

The rose that came its Saviour-King to greet. 

ni 

At last the first great Christmas Day was done. 
The passer-by the flower sought in vain, 
Until another Christmas dawned again; 

The rose had faded with the setting sun. 

IV 

Each year the mystery again doth bring. 
The legend saith, the wondrous flower fair. 
As centuries ago when, sweet and rare. 

It blossomed first to greet the Infant King. 



SING, JOYFUL SONS OF MEN 

Sing, joyful sons of men, 
The Saviour comes again ! 

Proclaim the tidings glad, your carols sing ! 

Let earth and heaven hail their Saviour-King! 

He comes to wipe the mourner's tears away, 

Our only help through life, our guide and stay. 



204 Etonian OBcfioeg 

Sing, joyful sons of men, 
Our Saviour comes again 
To waiting hearts ! Let strife and discord 



cease 



Proclaim the everlasting Prince of Peace. 
Awake, dead souls ! Awake to life and love ! 
Our hearts shall echo angels' songs above. 

Sing, joyful sons of men, 
The Saviour comes again! 
From sphere to sphere is borne the music sweet. 
And myriad worlds the holy strains repeat. 
The Saviour comes, for whom our spirits long, 
Let all creation blend in one great song! 

THE LAND OF LOVE 

Into the Land of Love I strayed; 

The radiant land of hope and youth; 

The land where doubts dissolve in truth. 
Where music rings through grove and glade. 

Into the Land of Love, at last 

I wandered, where no future and no past 

My heart could touch with hope or fear; 
And not alone o'er hill or plain 
I roved, forgetting grief and pain; 

But one I loved was ever near. 

Hope's beauty had transformed the day, 

And Love immortal o'er that land held sway. 



aeonian dBcftoes! 205 



The thrilling tones of elf and bird 
And spirit-voices, strangely sweet, 
But wild as woodland echoes fleet, 

I — lost in rapture — longing heard. 
Love's glory gleamed before my eyes. 
Earth slowly turning into Paradise. 

RING OUT SWEET EASTER BELLS 

Ring out sweet Easter bells at break of day, 
And tell the blessed truth that Jesus lives ! 

"The King of Glory passes on His way," 
Each faithful heart its loving tribute gives. 

Ring out sweet Easter bells again at noon. 

We are no longer desolate, alone. 
Our joyful hearts at last shall be attune. 

For us the angels roll away the stone. 

Ring out sweet Easter bells at eventide I 
Upon our heart descends a holy peace. 

We sing the triumph of the Crucified, 

Oh, may our joyful praises never cease! 

Ring in our hearts, sweet bells, through all the 
year. 

Repeat the message learned on Easter Day, 
Till faith shall conquer every doubt and fear, 

The risen Saviour be our guide and stay. 



206 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

"SING, O HEAVENS, AND LET EARTH 
REJOICE !" 

Sing, O Heavens ! Jesus lives again, 
Victor over every grief and pain. 
Sing His praises ! Let the joyful song 
Through the ages echo sweet and strong. 

Sing, O Heavens ! Souls redeemed, sing. 
Through the universe the carols ring. 
Jesus lives, Who conquered death and shame ! 
"Blest forever be His Holy Name !" 

Earth, rejoice this happy Easter Day! 
Hail the King triumphant on His way ! 
Echo angels' songs in heights above; 
Offer Him the tribute of your love. 

Sing, O Heavens, and let Earth rejoice! 
Praise the risen Lord with mighty voice. 

"TAKE ALL, ONLY LEAVE ME 
THYSELF" 

Take all, dear Lord; th^ faces that I love 
Like fragrant blossoms fade to bloom above. 
I miss the music sweet of voices dear, 
No more their tender accents may I hear. 
Take all, but for such bitter loss alone, 
In mercy, leave me, Lord, Thyself alone. 



aeonian OEcftoe^ 207 

Take all, dear Lord, that makes the world so 

fair, 
If this should be Thy will ; yet dark despair 
In vain would draw my loving heart from Thee, 
A secret peace and solace mine should be. 
As storms about my pathway wildly rage ; 
Take all, yet leave Thyself, through youth and 

age. 

I know not now, but I shall understand 

Some day when I have reached the better land. 

The mysteries of life that often grieve 

My spirit ; yet, dear Lord, I still believe 

The sun is shining through the shadows drear; 

Take all, but let me feel that Thou art near. 

"THE DISTANT TRIUMPH-SONG" 

"Steals on the Ear the Distant Triumph-Song." 

BLESSED feast of All Saints ! every heart 
That feels a sense of loss in you hath part. 
The mourner hears, with mingled grief and love, 
The distant triumph-song of saints above. 

When wrong too oft appears in cruel might 

To triumph, we may weaken in the fight. 

But strength revives when rising sweet and 

clear 
The song of the redeemed our spirits hear. 



208 aeonian (2ct)oe0 

So, e'en on earth our waiting hearts are blest, 
Our prayers arise for holy saints at rest. 
What though we toil with weary feet, not long 
The passing years, we join the triumph-song. 

Sweet echoes borne upon the autumn air 
Of songs above shall soothe our grief and care. 
Sing, happy saints, till earth and heaven blend 
In one grand song that nevermore shall end. 



CAN LOVE GROW COLD? 

Inscribed to the Lord Bishop of London, and published 
after meeting his approval; inspired by his beautiful ser- 
mon at Holy Trinity, Brooklyn, Oct. 10, 1907. The part 
of the text specifically referred to is: "Nevertheless, I 
have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy 
first love." Rev. ii, 4. 



Can love grow cold ? And shall the Saviour ask 
In vain of men who find their work a task. 
The "thirst for souls," they deeply felt of 

yore.f* 
Each year should make them love their labor 

more. 
While sinners wander from the Shepherd's 
fold 
Can love grow cold? 



aeonian (Ec{)oe0 209 



n 

Can love grow cold? Though youth must pass 
away 
The flowers of the soul should not decay. 
No cry for help the faithful hear in vain, 
Lord, teach us how to lighten grief and pain 
Nor let us toil "in selfish greed for gold," 
While love grows cold. 

Ill 

Can love grow cold? Alas ! we know too well 
The brightest seraphs in the heavens fell. 
Lord, teach us how to pray and work aright, 
Our love for Thee forever burning bright. 
No more as sheep are gathered to Thy fold 
Shall love grow cold. 

THANKSGIVING, 1908 

For those we love who linger with us here, 
For all the "Blessed Dead" to us so dear, 
We thank Thee, Lord, with grateful hearts to- 
day. 
While angels guard us ever on our way. 

For strength each day for our appointed task. 
For food and raiment, all we scarcely ask ; 
Unnumbered gifts from Thee, whereby we live. 
Our thankful hearts to-day their homage give. 



210 aeonian (Btbot^ 

Our hymns of praise shall thrill the autumn air, 

hear, dear Lord, our nation's earnest prayer! 
We thank Thee, Lord, our fathers' God we 

bless. 
Who led them safely through the wilderness. 

Thy mercies crown our lives with hope and love, 

E'en crosses lead us to the- heights above. 

For all Thy blessings, now, we thank Thee, 

Lord, 
Forevermore by grateful hearts adored. 

"I SHALL BE SATISFIED!" 

1 SHALL be satisfied ! The pain and sorrow 

That cloud my life shall all have passed away ; 
For me at last shall dawn a brighter morrow, 
Forgotten all the anguish of to-day. 

I shall be satisfied ! Oh, sinners weeping 
O'er sin and sorrow, let no bitterness 

Be mingled with your tears ! In Jesus' keeping 
Are all who turn to Him in their distress. 

I shall be satisfied ! Above earth's sadness 
E'en now I hear the holy angels' song. 

Again my thankful heart is filled with gladness, 
I soon shall rest, the conflict is not long. 



aeottian (2c|)oe0 211 



I shall be satisfied ! Oh, blessed morning, 
That dawns upon a world of pain and sin ! 

Look up, sad heart, thy light affliction scorning. 
At last a "crown of life" thy love shall win. 

"THE ONE TRUE LIGHT" 

The lights upon the altar, one by one. 
Are fading with the setting of the sun. 
But one remains ; forgotten, still it burns. 
A lesson sweet from this my spirit learns. 

A type of One, our Light in life and death, 
Is shining now to strengthen me in faith; 
A holy light, revealing flowers fair 
Upon the altar in its beauty rare. 

The shadows flee where burns "the One True 
Light!" 

As Israel, guided onward through the night. 

Triumphant passed ; so shall the Church, to- 
day. 

Behold "the One True Light" upon the way. 

So when the lights of life we see decline. 
As fade the altar-lights, the Sun Divine — 
In those dark moments when the shadows 

fall— 
"The One True Light" shall be our Guide, 

our All ! 



212 aeonian (Btbot^ 

"THE BELLS OF YOUTH" 

Far away I hear 
Bells that ring the knell of happy youth, 
Chimes that tell again of love and truth, 

Echoes sweet and clear. 

Far away they ring! 
Echoes from the past are borne to me, 
Yet a future fair my soul can see; 

Still my heart shall sing. 

Hope is ever nigh. 
Age and death in vain their shadows cast, 
We shall overcome the worst at last, 

Love shall never die! 

"TELL US THE NEWS FROM FRANCE !" 

"Tell us the news from France! of those we 

love !" 
O God in mercy hear us from above! 
And save our dear ones there as, day by day. 
We wait to hear from them, so far away. 

"Tell us the news from France!" O God! how 

long 
Shall that fair land of poetry and song 
Be desolate! for mercy now we cry 
To Thee for help Who art forever nigh. 



aeonian aEci)oe0 213 

"Tell us the news from France!" upon our 

night 
Of grief and gloom at last shall dawn the light, 
And France revive again, the brave and bold, 
To gladden all the nations as of old. 

ARISE MY SOUL! 

Arise my soul, and hail the happy day! 
The King of Glory passes on His way. 
The flowers bloom, their Saviour-King to greet. 
The bells ring out glad hymns our hearts re- 
peat. 

Arise my soul, to live a nobler life. 
And look beyond a world of toil and strife. 
Now death is conquered, since the Saviour lives 
Who peace and comfort to the nations gives. 

Arise m.y soul, to-day the angels' song 

The waiting earth shall hear and hearts be 

strong. 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Your tribute give of love. 
Through clouds behold the light that shines 

above. 

Arise my soul, and hail your Saviour-King! 
With men and angels join His praise to sing. 



214 aeonian aBcj)oe0 

A PERSIAN LOVER'S SONG 

Heart of my heart, soul of my soul ; 
Where art thou now? What is thy goal? 
Far, far away, over the sea, 
Weary I wait, longing for thee. 

Soul of my soul, heart of my heart! 
Life was so sweet, why did we part? 
Hear as I plead, soul of my soul! 
Come back to me, love is thy goal. 



"IF I COULD SING" 

If I could sing to thee of all my love, 
No sweeter song should rise to heights above; 
But now, of all the longing of my heart. 
My poor, weak words can only tell a part. 
Through all the world my lay of love should 
ring. 
If I could sing! 

If I could sing of all my hope and fear. 
Perchance thy heart my song would gladly 

hear. 
Oh, could some power teach me how to tell 
The love that charms me by its magic spell. 
To thee my laurels I would quickly bring, 
If I could sing! 



aeonian (2cj)oe0 215 

If I could sing! Alas, it cannot be! 
No poet I, to sing of love to thee! 
Accept the words I scarcely dare to say, 
The tribute of my love for thee alway. 
Through all the world my lay of love would 
ring. 
If I could sing! 



THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL 
I 

This blessed morn 
That celebrates the Saviour's birth. 
The Christmas Angel comes to earth 

To souls forlorn. 

n 

O ye who grieve ! 
The Angel sings to you to-day! 
A blessing on your lonely way 

Ye may receive! 

m 

A legend saith 
None hear the Christmas AngePs song 
Save loyal hearts ; no doubt or wrong 

Dares mar their faith. 



216 aeonian (2cj)oe0 



IV 

O Angel fair! 
With loving hearts we hope to-day 
Thy song to hear, upon our way 

Of toil and care. 



The Angel's voice 
Is heard in carols sweet and clear. 
O pure in heart, that gladly hear, 

Rej oice ! Rej oice ! 

"IS THERE BALM IN GILEAD?" 

"Is there, is there balm in Gilead? Tell me — 

tell me, I implore!" 
Cried the Poet, broken-hearted, mourning happy 

days of yore. 
Answer thou, my soul, the question: "Shall 

the mourner comfort know?" 
"Since the Saviour died for sinners, there is 

balm for every woe!" 

"Is there, is there balm in Gilead?" Is there 

any hope in prayer? 
Do we wander, ever haunted, by the phantom 

of despair? 



aeonian (Bthot^ 217 

Shall the God, Who heeds the sparrow, leave 

His children desolate? 
"There is balm for us in Gilead, while our souls 

in patience wait!" 

"Is there, is there balm in Gilead?" Hear 

again the awful cry 
From the spirits heavy laden; list, my heart, 

the glad reply: 
"Come to me, all ye that travail ; I will give you 

rest !" O hear 
Jesus' voice, above the tempest ever rising, 

sweet and clear ! 

"Is there, is there balm in Gilead?" Tell me 

— tell me, I implore ! 
Shall the angels' song of triumph, ringing now 

from shore to shore. 
Find no echo in our spirits? Shall we ever 

blindly roam? 
"There is balm for us in Gilead ! God Himself 

shall guide us home !" 

FAR FROM THY GRAVE! 

To the memory of the late Bishop of Delaware 

Far from the Bishop's grave my lot is cast; 
Upon his tomb no flower I can lay, 
Yet let me offer him in grief to-day 
The tribute of an ever-living past. 



218 aeonian OBcftoe^ 

They tell me he is dead — the world's harsh 

word, 
Unchristian, grates upon my listening ear. 
Can spirits die ? Away with doubt and fear ! 
The Gospel message hearts that bleed have 

heard. 

He still is living, veiled from mortal sight; 
His ransomed spirit finds eternal peace. 
And when for us the conflict here shall cease, 
We hope to meet him in the realms of light. 

RING OUT, GLAD CHRISTMAS BELLS ! 

Ring out, glad Christmas bells, to-day! 
And tell the waiting world of peace, 
Good-will that nevermore shall cease; 

Your song shall cheer us on our way. 

Ring out, glad bells, o'er land and sea. 
Till all shall hear your message sweet! 
Our loving hearts your strain repeat ; 

The Saviour comes to set us free! 

Ring out, glad bells, in rapture ring! 

Let earth and heaven join the strain 

The ages echo back again; 
Ring out the praise of Christ, your King! 



aeonian (Btbot^ 219 

"NOT THOUGHTS ALONE, BUT DEEDS" 

"God, forgive us our poor deeds and our glorious inten- 
tions." 

We meant to be unselfish, true, and brave, 
To work for God and many souls to save; 
Too often we forgot our brother's needs. 
Our "good intentions" filled the place of deeds. 

Forgive us, Lord, for Thou art not deceived 
Though we may cheat ourselves when Thou 

art grieved. 
Not plans alone, but deeds. Thy love doth ask. 
That every faithful soul may find a task. 

Self-righteous, oft we felt a generous zeal 
For other souls and even planned to deal 
So kindly, wisely, with the sinners; yet 
We soon forgot; how useless our regret! 

Perchance we tried, half hearted, strangely 

weak 
In faith and purpose; oft we failed to seek 
With love the stricken soul that cried in vain 
To us for help and comfort in his pain. 

We ask Thy help; the mercy we denied 
To others. Lord, we crave, with humbled pride. 
Forgive us, though unworthy in Thy sight, 
And grant us grace to plan and work aright. 



I 21 



19t1 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



niN 21 I9rf 



